Union standoff threatens fuel crisis as Dangote refinery talks collapse
Story by Martha Gwary
Negotiations between Dangote Refinery and two major oil unions, NUPENG and PENGASSAN, have broken down, sparking widespread protests and fueling fears of a nationwide fuel shortage.
The dispute centers on the unions’ demand for refinery workers to be allowed to unionize, a move that Dangote management has firmly rejected.
The disagreement has already caused disruptions in key cities.
In Lagos and Port Harcourt, NUPENG members shut down several fuel depots, including those run by Aiteo, Conoil, NIPCO, and Ardova.
READ ALSO: NUPENG vs Dangote: Fuel marketers beg Tinubu to avert Monday strike
The industrial action also led to the closure of many filling stations in Ibadan, leaving motorists concerned about looming scarcity.
Another point of contention is a plan by Dangote Refinery, in partnership with MRS Energy, to bypass traditional marketers and distribute Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) directly using 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks.
This move is opposed by established stakeholders like IPMAN, PETROAN, and NARTO, who argue it could threaten their investments and jobs.
They have pledged to support the unions if their concerns are ignored, warning that the refinery risks creating a monopoly.
READ ALSO: Dangote Truck Rampage: Journalist’s close call sparks outcry for road safety
The Federal Government has stepped in, with the Ministers of Petroleum, Labour, and Employment holding late-night talks to urge both sides to find a solution.
Officials have warned that the oil sector is too critical to the country’s economy to be destabilised by a prolonged strike.
Despite the government’s intervention, union leaders have said that a complete shutdown of refinery operations remains a possibility unless workers’ rights to unionize are upheld.
As a result, Nigerians are closely watching the situation. While some NNPC retail outlets still have fuel, many citizens, like Olubunmi Bamigbade, a trader from Ibadan, are anxious.
“We want the government to act swiftly before this makes life more difficult for ordinary people,” she said. The hope is that urgent talks will prevent a full-blown fuel crisis.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
