The meeting organized by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, to end the dispute between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Group has ended in a deadlock. The discussions, which sought to address disagreements over unionisation and related labour issues, broke down after both sides failed to reach a consensus on vital demands.
Despite the Dangote Group reportedly agreeing to let workers at its refinery and petrochemical plants join NUPENG, the drafting of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) proved a major stumbling block.
According to sources, the Dangote team allegedly tried to include clauses described as “offensive,” which labour leaders feared could be used against employees in the event of industrial action.
The failure to find a resolution led to the NUPENG delegation, supported by representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), walking out of the session twice.
The meeting, which started around 5:05 p.m., was attended by Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and officials of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The Dangote Group was duly represented by Sayyu Cantata and Otunba Jibrin, while NUPENG’s team was led by its President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale.
Prominent Trade Union Congress (TUC) members like Secretary General, Dr. Nuhu Toro, and Shehu Mohammed were also in attendance, alongside NLC officials Benson Upah, Onyeka Chris, Echezona Azuzu, and Opaluwa Simon.
As of the time of this report, the stalemate remains unresolved, raising major concerns over what the future holds for the oil workers’ union and the industrial giant.
