The Nigerian petroleum sector averted a potential crisis as the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery reached an agreement on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, ending a two-day strike that had crippled fuel distribution across the nation. The strike stemmed from a dispute over the unionization of Dangote refinery drivers. NUPENG alleged that Dangote had prohibited its drivers, particularly those operating the newly acquired fleet of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks, from joining any trade union, a move the union viewed as a violation of workers’ rights.
The strike’s impact was immediate and widespread. Depots and numerous filling stations across the country were shut down on Monday, the first day of the industrial action, exacerbating concerns about an impending fuel shortage. An initial attempt at mediation by the Ministry of Labour and Employment proved unsuccessful, further deepening anxieties. The situation prompted the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) to declare a nationwide strike, suspending fuel dispensing at its member stations in solidarity with NUPENG. This collective action intensified the pressure on the government and Dangote Refinery to resolve the dispute quickly.
A breakthrough came on Tuesday evening, thanks to the intervention of the Department of State Services (DSS). The DSS facilitated a dialogue between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery, which ultimately led to a signed agreement. Crucially, Dangote Refinery recognized the workers’ right to unionize, aligning its stance with existing labor laws. The agreement stipulated a two-week timeframe, from September 9th to 22nd, 2025, for the completion of the unionization process. It also included a critical clause safeguarding against victimization of any employee involved in the strike.
Following the agreement, NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, confirmed the reopening of depots and other petroleum facilities that had been shut down during the strike. Petroleum tanker drivers immediately resumed fuel loading operations on Wednesday, effectively quelling fears of a prolonged fuel crisis. This swift return to normalcy was welcomed by stakeholders and consumers alike, as it averted the potential economic disruption and hardship that a sustained fuel shortage would have caused.
PETROAN, following the resolution between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery, promptly called off its own nationwide strike. Billy Gillis Harry, National President of PETROAN, announced the resumption of fuel dispensing activities across the country, directing all member stations to return to normal operations. He praised the discipline and solidarity demonstrated by PETROAN members during the strike, emphasizing their 100% compliance with the directive to suspend dispensing.
The successful resolution of the dispute was hailed as a positive development for the Nigerian economy. Gillis-Harry expressed gratitude to various government entities instrumental in mediating the conflict, including the Minister of Labour, the Minister of State for Petroleum, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Director of DSS, and the Inspector General of Police. The swift and collaborative action by these stakeholders effectively prevented a potentially crippling fuel crisis, demonstrating the importance of dialogue and adherence to labor laws in maintaining stability in critical sectors of the economy.
