The meeting convened by the Federal Government with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Dangote Group, and other stakeholders on Monday ended without a resolution, heightening fears of fuel scarcity across the country.
According to reports, the closed-door session, which was scheduled for 3:00 p.m. but began after 5:00 p.m., failed to produce a breakthrough. As of Monday night, neither the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, nor the leadership of NUPENG led by Williams Akporeha, nor Dangote Group officials had issued a statement on the outcome.
A source familiar with the matter told Daily Post that “details are still sketchy, but it seems no agreement has been reached yet. I should know from tomorrow (Tuesday).”
Earlier, Minister Dingyadi had underscored the importance of the talks, saying: “We are here to try and reconcile our labour unions in the oil industry and the employers in Dangote Group. This is not the first time we are having this kind of dispute.”
Meanwhile, NUPENG enforced its strike on Monday by shutting down major depots and some filling stations in Lagos and Warri, sparking transportation fare hikes in parts of Delta State. In Abuja, fuel prices remained between ₦885 and ₦910 per litre at most outlets, except Empire Filling Station, which sold at ₦950.
The National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Abubakar Maigandi, urged both parties to reach a sustainable resolution “for the good of all Nigerians.”
However, with the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) threatening to join the strike, fears of acute scarcity and further price hikes are mounting.
NUPENG president Akporeha had earlier accused Dangote Group of pursuing anti-labour practices through its plan to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks for petroleum distribution nationwide, alleging the move was designed to “enslave workers.” Dangote, however, has insisted on implementing its policy.