With the clock ticking toward a nationwide shutdown, the federal government has urged the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to call off its planned strike set to begin Monday, warning that any disruption could paralyze Nigeria’s fragile economy.
The union announced last week that its members would stop work and begin seeking alternative employment starting September 8, in protest of alleged attempts by the Dangote refinery to block compressed natural gas (CNG) tanker drivers from unionizing.
Although the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) distanced themselves from the action, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) said it would halt lifting and dispensing of fuel for three days beginning September 9, pledging solidarity with NUPENG.
Despite divisions among transport groups, NUPENG doubled down on Sunday, insisting that the strike would go ahead.
In response, Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, issued a last-minute appeal. He warned that the shutdown could cripple fuel distribution, inflict “untold hardship” on citizens, and drain billions of naira in state revenue.
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“I have invited all parties to a conciliation meeting tomorrow, September 8,” Dingyadi said in a statement. “Since I have intervened, I plead with NUPENG to rescind their decision. Even a single day of strike in the petroleum sector will have devastating consequences for our economy.”
The minister also called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to withdraw its “red alert” for a wider strike in solidarity with NUPENG.
Reiterating government assurances, Dingyadi said the dispute would be resolved “amicably and to the satisfaction of all parties,” urging unions to “give peace a chance.”
Whether the appeal will be enough to stop fuel pumps from running dry across Nigeria remains uncertain, as labour leaders show no signs of backing down.