The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas, NUPENG, has officially suspended its nationwide strike following a successful mediation led by the Department of State Services, DSS.
The industrial action, which threatened to disrupt the country’s petroleum supply and distribution systems, was halted after a high-stakes meeting in Abuja brought all key stakeholders to the negotiating table.
The meeting included top officials from the Federal Government, representatives of Dangote Refinery, and leaders from Nigeria’s major labour unions. Notable participants were the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, who led the Dangote Refinery delegation.
Labour was strongly represented by Mr. Akpouha Williams of NUPENG, Mr. Benson Upah of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Dr. NA Toto of the Trade Union Congress.
Reports indicated that Dangote Refinery has agreed that its workers can now engage in union activities.
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After prolonged deliberations, the parties reached a consensus to uphold Nigeria’s existing labour laws—specifically emphasizing that no employee should be forced to join any union against their will. It was agreed that workers should retain full freedom to choose whether or not to affiliate with any labour body.
In addition to resolving the union membership dispute, other lingering issues raised by NUPENG were addressed.
While the details of these issues were not made public, they were significant enough to require detailed negotiations and careful resolution.
The outcome of the meeting was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by all involved stakeholders.
This agreement served as the basis for the immediate suspension of NUPENG’s strike action.
Government officials praised the resolution as a major step toward sustaining industrial peace in the country’s oil and gas sector.
They acknowledged the DSS for its role in preventing a crisis that could have severely impacted the national economy and daily life.
Labour leaders also expressed satisfaction with the outcome, reiterating their commitment to defending workers’ rights through legal and constructive engagement.
The suspension of the strike brings relief to millions of Nigerians who had feared fuel shortages and price spikes.
It also sets a precedent for dispute resolution through dialogue and lawful means, rather than industrial action.
As operations resume across the petroleum distribution chain, stakeholders are hopeful that the terms of the MoU will be fully implemented to avoid future disruptions.
Crediblenewsng.com
