The fragile peace between the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery has collapsed, sparking a major labour dispute that could trigger fuel scarcity nationwide.
NUPENG accused the refinery of breaking a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on September 9 at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja. The agreement, witnessed by the Minister of Labour, the DSS, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and others, guaranteed petroleum tanker drivers the right to unionise.
But NUPENG’s National President, Williams Akporeha, said Dangote’s cousin, Sayyu Aliu Dantata, who oversees trucking operations, violated the deal.
“Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata flew over them several times with his helicopter and then called the navy of the Federal Republic to come over ostensibly to crush the union officials. Our members are waiting for him and his agents to run them over,” Akporeha said.
The union condemned what it described as “impunity” and warned the Federal Government not to allow security agencies to be used against workers. It placed members on “red alert” for a possible nationwide strike if the refinery refuses to comply with the MoU.
NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, also alleged that Dangote management planned to tow away vehicles blocking non-compliant trucks at the refinery. In response, union members reinforced their blockade at the gates.
The refinery denied the allegations, describing them as “wholly inaccurate.” In a statement dated September 11, it insisted that union membership was voluntary and that no driver was forced to renounce affiliation.
“Assertions that drivers are compelled to waive union rights are categorically false. Allegations of union suppression are unfounded and appear to be part of a broader narrative aimed at discrediting private sector progress,” the company said.
Dangote maintained that its compressed natural gas (CNG) truck scheme will create over 60,000 direct jobs with strong benefits. It accused NUPENG of “economic sabotage, coercion, or blackmail under the guise of labour activism.”
Related Stories
Fuel marketers, under the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), called on both sides to honour the agreement.
“All parties should adhere to the terms and spirit of the MoU signed,” said PETROAN President, Billy Gillis-Harry.
The NLC described the refinery’s alleged actions as a “gross violation” of the deal. Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, said the Congress may act if the situation persists. Another NLC official, speaking anonymously, went further: “For Dangote to turn around and violate it is a slap on the nation. Where then is the refinery located—what we might as well call the ‘Dangote Republic’?”
The Ministry of Labour said it had not yet received a formal complaint but promised to act if one is filed.
Analysts warn that the clash has become a test of Nigeria’s labour laws and the government’s ability to enforce agreements. For ordinary Nigerians, the biggest fear is simple: another round of fuel scarcity if the standoff leads to a nationwide strike.