The looming nationwide strike by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has set the stage for a major showdown with the Federal Government, after the union on Sunday vowed to press ahead with its planned industrial action beginning Monday, September 8, 2025.
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, appealed to NUPENG to shelve the strike, citing the grave consequences it could have on the country’s fragile economy.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s head of information, Patience Onuobia, Dingyadi disclosed that he had summoned all parties to a conciliation meeting on Monday and urged both NUPENG and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend their actions in the interest of peace.
“Since I have intervened, I plead with NUPENG to rescind their decision to shut down the petroleum sector from tomorrow. I also appeal to the NLC to withdraw the red alert it issued to its affiliates,” the minister said.
Dingyadi warned that even a day-long strike in the petroleum sector could cause billions of naira in losses and unleash “untold hardship” on Nigerians.
He assured that the dispute would be resolved amicably, stressing that stability in the oil and gas industry was non-negotiable for Nigeria’s economic survival.
The Dispute
NUPENG’s threat of industrial action stems from alleged anti-worker and anti-union practices by the Dangote Group. The union accuses the company of barring compressed natural gas (CNG) tanker drivers from joining recognised labour unions — a move they claim undermines constitutional and international labour rights.
On Friday, NUPENG directed members to down tools and even seek alternative jobs starting September 8. Both the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), however, distanced themselves from the planned strike, insisting they would not participate.
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But in a defiant response, NUPENG reiterated on Sunday that “nothing stops the strike,” dismissing the stance of the drivers’ groups and doubling down on its action plan.
Legal Backing for Workers
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, threw his weight behind NUPENG, declaring that the Dangote Group’s policy violated not just Nigerian law but also key international conventions.
Falana cited Section 40 of the Constitution, the Trade Union Act, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, among other treaties, insisting that workers had an inalienable right to freely associate and unionise.
He warned that continued suppression of workers’ rights would not only contravene Nigeria’s international obligations but also deepen labour unrest in the sector.
Uncertain Hours Ahead
With the strike scheduled to commence in hours and conciliation talks yet to hold, Nigerians brace for possible fuel shortages, transport gridlock, and inflationary shocks.
The Federal Government insists peace is still possible, but NUPENG’s hardened stance signals a long week ahead for Africa’s largest oil producer.