By David Akinmola
The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has suspended its planned two-day strike following a breakthrough agreement with the Dangote Group on workers’ unionisation rights.
The industrial action, which was expected to disrupt fuel distribution nationwide, was called off late Tuesday after both parties reached a deal that allows employees of the Dangote Group to freely associate and join NUPENG.
Union leaders confirmed that the Dangote management formally committed to recognising the rights of its workforce to unionise in line with Nigeria’s labour laws. The development followed days of tense negotiations and warnings from NUPENG that its members would down tools if the issue remained unresolved.
“We have secured a written agreement that protects the rights of Dangote workers to organise under NUPENG without intimidation or victimisation,” a senior union official said after the talks. “On that basis, we are suspending the strike in the interest of national stability and to give management room to implement the agreement.”
The Dangote Group, in a statement, welcomed the resolution and pledged to work closely with NUPENG to promote industrial harmony while safeguarding productivity.
Labour analysts say the truce averts what could have been a major disruption in Nigeria’s petroleum supply chain, given the central role of NUPENG members in fuel lifting, haulage, and distribution.
While the suspension eases immediate tensions, union leaders noted that they would continue to monitor compliance and would not hesitate to resume action if the agreement is breached.
