FG Directs NUPENG and Dangote Refinery to Honour Unionisation Agreement Amid Tensions

Following a high-stakes closed-door meeting convened by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Dangote Refinery management to strictly abide by the terms of a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The meeting was called to address rising tensions stemming from reports that Dangote Refinery agents were allegedly removing NUPENG union stickers from trucks and selectively granting access to vehicles affiliated with the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), a group believed to be sponsored by the refinery.

Key government officials, including Minister of Finance Wale Edun and representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), urged all parties to maintain the status quo while allowing a two-week window (September 9 to 22) for implementing the agreement. The MoU emphasizes workers’ rights to unionize under Nigerian labour laws and mandates management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals to recognize and accept unionization for employees willing to join.

The resolutions outlined during the meeting include the following:

ADVERTISEMENT

• Workers’ unionization is recognized as a legal right; Dangote Refinery’s management has agreed to the unionization of employees who opt to join a union.
• The unionization process is to commence immediately and be completed within two weeks, during which time the employer will refrain from establishing any alternative unions.
• No worker or employee of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals will face victimization arising from the strike notice or union activities.
• Both parties will revert with a progress report to the Honourable Minister of Labour one week after the engagement period concludes.
• Following the resolutions, NUPENG has agreed to suspend the ongoing industrial action with immediate effect.

Despite the agreement, sources indicate persistent tension and government displeasure over alleged breaches, prompting the DSS to summon representatives of both Dangote Refinery and NUPENG for further consultations aimed at preventing deterioration of labour relations.

The agreement signing was witnessed by prominent labour leaders including NUPENG President Prince Williams Akporeha, General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, and officials from the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and NLC, alongside Dangote Group executives. This development marks a critical milestone in resolving labour disputes at Dangote Refinery, Nigeria’s flagship petroleum processing facility, and underscores the government’s commitment to upholding workers’ rights while ensuring industrial peace.

The Federal Ministry of Labour has promised to issue formal statements on further developments as the unionization process unfolds.