The recent peace agreement facilitated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Dangote Refinery appears to be under threat. NUPENG has accused Dangote Refinery of violating the terms agreed upon during the reconciliation meeting.
In a public statement released on Thursday, September 11, 2025, NUPENG President Akporeha Williams and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale alerted the nation about actions taken by Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata, founder of MRS Holdings. According to the union, Dantata directed his nupeng-strike-suspends-products-lifting-from-tuesday/” title=”Petroleum Retailers Back … Strike, Suspends Products Lifting From Tuesday”>truck drivers, who have been NUPENG-PTD members for many years, to remove union stickers from their vehicles on September 10, 2025.
The union further reported that Dantata ordered these drivers to forcibly enter Dangote Refinery to load goods. When union officials intervened, citing violations of union loading protocols, Dantata allegedly escalated the situation by summoning the Nigerian Navy to intimidate the union representatives.
In response, NUPENG has urged its members to prepare for the resumption of the previously suspended strike action.
The union’s statement reads: “Despite the agreement signed on September 9, 2025, in the presence of three Federal Ministers and the Deputy Director General of the DSS, affirming workers’ rights to unionize, Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata instructed his truck drivers to remove union insignia from their vehicles on September 10, 2025.
“On September 11, 2025, these drivers were ordered to force entry into Dangote Refinery to load cargo. Union officials halted their entry due to non-compliance with union loading regulations.
“Dantata then reportedly flew over the site multiple times in his helicopter and called in the Nigerian Navy to suppress the union officials.
“Our members are standing firm, ready to face any intimidation. We call on the public and the Federal Government to recognize that no individual, regardless of wealth, is above the law. We condemn Dantata’s blatant disregard for national institutions and legal agreements.
“We urge the Federal Government to ensure that security forces, funded by public resources, are not misused to undermine lawful union activities. Security agencies must uphold the law and not allow any party to flout agreements facilitated by government officials and security personnel.
“Consequently, we are placing all members on high alert to recommence the nationwide industrial action. We also call on the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, regional and international labor organizations, and civil society groups to stand in solidarity against this capitalist aggression.
“We reiterate that wealth does not exempt anyone from abiding by the law.
“NUPENG remains committed to being a patriotic, responsible, and responsive organization dedicated to the progress of Nigeria.”
By: Babajide Okeowo
