Filling Stations Shut Down as Dangote Group Walks Out on FG, NUPENG Strike Takes Off
GoldenNewsNg reports that Nigeria is bracing for a nationwide disruption in fuel supply as the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) prepares to fully embark on strike action beginning Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
The decision follows the breakdown of negotiations in Abuja between the Federal Government, labour leaders, and representatives of the Dangote Group over the unionisation of workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Details of Talks with FG
Sources at the meeting revealed that discussions ended abruptly when Sayyu Dantata, who represented the Dangote Group, reportedly walked out on Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi and the labour delegation.
Dangote’s team insisted that membership in trade unions at its refinery should remain optional. However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and NUPENG rejected the proposal, insisting that workers must be allowed to freely join unions in line with the Nigerian Constitution, the Labour Act, and International Labour Organisation conventions.
Labour Minister Dingyadi confirmed the deadlock but expressed optimism that further talks could lead to a resolution.
Labour Leaders React
The NLC condemned the Dangote delegation for frustrating negotiations. Acting Secretary Benson Upah said:
“Even when we bent backwards to accommodate his uncompromising behaviour, he still walked out. We are left with no option but to do the needful. The strike action continues.”
NUPENG President Williams Akporeha accused Dangote of attempting to deny workers their rights:
“We cannot stand by and see an investor monopolise not just the system but even the workers.”
Filling Stations Begin to Shut Down
Ahead of the strike, some filling stations in Sokoto and other northern states have already closed due to a lack of supply. The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) also warned that Dangote’s dominance in refining, storage, logistics, and retail could sideline other operators if left unchecked.
PETROAN President Billy Gillis-Harry urged government regulators to ensure a fair playing field, stressing that while Dangote Refinery’s success is critical, competition must be preserved.
Fuel Prices on the Rise
The dispute comes at a time of rising ex-depot petrol prices across the country. Data obtained on Monday showed Dangote Refinery adjusted its petrol price from N820 per litre to N840. Other private depots such as Wosbab, Heyden, and Ardova posted N850 per litre, while MRS Tincan and Integrated Oil recorded lower rates of N823 and N830, respectively.
Meanwhile, some outlets of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) have cut prices to N855 per litre in select locations to attract buyers amid stiff competition.
What Happens Next for Nigerians?
With talks at a standstill, unions insist that Tuesday’s strike will proceed unless their demands for full union rights at Dangote facilities are met. The Federal Government has appealed to the NLC to withdraw its “red alert” directive, but for now, the prospect of widespread fuel scarcity looms.
