Fuel loading operations have resumed across the country following a breakthrough agreement between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery, bringing an end to a two-day strike that had sparked fears of fuel scarcity.
NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, confirmed to reporters on Wednesday that all depots and petroleum facilities earlier shut down have been reopened.
When asked whether the union had lifted the shutdown imposed on Monday and Tuesday, Akporeha gave a definitive response: “Yes!”
Background: Dangote Accused of Anti-Union Practices
The strike began on Monday, September 9, after NUPENG accused the Dangote Refinery of preventing newly recruited drivers assigned to operate the company’s 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks from joining any trade union or association.
Initial talks brokered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment failed to yield a resolution, prompting widespread depot closures and disruption of fuel distribution nationwide.
However, by Tuesday evening, both sides reached a resolution after high-level intervention by the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to a joint communiqué issued after the closed-door meeting, Dangote management acknowledged workers’ legal right to unionise, agreeing to allow willing employees from both Dangote Refinery and Dangote Petrochemicals to join recognised labour unions.
“The management agreed… they are not averse to the unionisation of their employees in line with the provisions of existing labour laws,” the agreement read in part.
Key resolutions include:
- Immediate commencement of the unionisation process, to be completed between September 9 and 22, 2025
- An assurance that no parallel unions will be formed by the employer
- A commitment that no employee will be victimised as a result of the strike action
Following the resolution, tanker drivers resumed operations across key depots on Wednesday morning, restoring normal fuel loading activities and easing concerns over possible shortages.
Operators at multiple locations confirmed that supply chains were returning to normal, with trucks loading products for distribution across the country.
In a related development, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) also announced an end to its strike.
Billy Gillis-Harry, PETROAN’s National President, said the group had fully suspended its earlier directive halting fuel dispensing, in line with the resolution reached between NUPENG and Dangote.
“Following intense negotiations mediated by ministers, security agencies, and regulators, PETROAN members have been instructed to resume full operations immediately,” he said.
Gillis-Harry expressed appreciation to key government officials and institutions involved in brokering peace, including:
- Minister of Labour
- Minister of State for Petroleum
- Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)
- DSS Director
- Inspector General of Police
He also praised PETROAN members for their 100% compliance and professionalism during the strike.
“This resolution is a welcome relief and a positive step for the stability of Nigeria’s fuel supply and the wider economy,” he said.
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