ABUJA — The much-anticipated high-level consultative meeting between the Federal Government, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Dangote Group, and other key stakeholders ended in a stalemate on Monday, raising fears of worsening fuel scarcity nationwide.
The meeting, scheduled for 3 p.m. but delayed until after 5 p.m., was convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, to resolve the ongoing face-off between NUPENG and Dangote Group. However, as of press time, no official statement had been issued by the Ministry, NUPENG leadership led by Williams Akporeha, or representatives of the Dangote Group.
Speaking before the closed-door session, Dingyadi stressed the urgency of reconciling both parties, 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.”
Despite his optimism, sources at the meeting disclosed that discussions ended without a concrete resolution. “Details are still sketchy. However, it seems there is no agreement yet. I should know from tomorrow (Tuesday),” an industry stakeholder told DAILY POST.
Meanwhile, the strike declared by NUPENG has already started taking its toll. Major depots and filling stations in Lagos and Warri were shut down on Monday, causing transportation costs in Warri to spike. In Abuja, however, fuel prices remained steady between N885 and N910 per litre, except at Empire Filling Station, which sold at N950.
But the situation may soon worsen as 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) have threatened to mobilise their members to join the industrial action.
NUPENG president, Williams Akporeha, had accused the Dangote Group of “anti-labour practices” over its plan to roll out 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks for petroleum product distribution nationwide — a policy he described as an attempt to enslave workers.
With no truce in sight, Nigerians may soon be faced with another round of fuel scarcity and potential price hikes.
Comments