Normal fuel supply resumed on Wednesday after the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) suspended its two-day strike, following an agreement with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The strike, which began on Monday, had forced the shutdown of depots and disrupted distribution nationwide.
NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, confirmed that depots and other facilities shut down by the union were reopened immediately after the resolution. Asked if operations had resumed, Akporeha replied, “Yes,” signaling the end of tensions that had threatened a nationwide fuel shortage.
The industrial action stemmed from allegations that Dangote Refinery prevented its newly recruited drivers hired to operate its 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas-powered trucks from joining any trade union or association. NUPENG described this as a breach of labour rights and vowed to resist any attempt to deny workers the freedom to unionise.
Initial mediation efforts by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on Monday ended without agreement, worsening supply concerns as filling stations shut their doors and depots ceased operations. However, by Tuesday evening, the Department of State Services (DSS) stepped in, brokering a truce between NUPENG and Dangote management.
In the signed resolution, both parties agreed that workers’ unionisation is a right under existing Nigerian labour laws. Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals consented to allow its employees to unionise, while pledging not to establish a parallel union. The agreement further stated that the process of unionisation would commence immediately and be concluded between September 9 and 22, 2025. Both sides also agreed that no worker would face victimisation as a result of the strike action.
With the settlement in place, petroleum tanker drivers resumed fuel loading on Wednesday, easing fears of scarcity. Operators confirmed that loading activities at major depots had resumed, restoring confidence that supplies would normalise quickly.
Meanwhile, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) also called off its nationwide strike, which had suspended fuel dispensing across outlets. PETROAN President, Billy Gillis Harry, announced that the decision was made after “intense negotiations and a resolution mediated by ministers, security agencies, and government agencies between Dangote Refinery and NUPENG.”
He directed members to resume operations immediately, assuring Nigerians that “normalcy has returned to the petroleum sector as depots and filling stations are now open.” Gillis Harry commended PETROAN members for their discipline and 100 per cent compliance with the strike directive, describing it as a demonstration of solidarity with NUPENG.
The quick resolution of the standoff prevented what could have escalated into a severe fuel crisis nationwide. Industry stakeholders have welcomed the agreement, noting that respect for workers’ rights and improved dialogue between management and unions will help prevent similar disputes in the future.
As depots, tankers, and filling stations return to full operation, attention now shifts to ensuring that the unionisation process at Dangote Refinery is implemented as agreed, within the two-week timeframe.
