The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has accused the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals of reneging on resolutions reached earlier this week with the Federal Government over workers’ right to unionize.
The union’s statement comes amid Thursday’s blockade at the Dangote Refinery, where NUPENG taskforce members stopped MRS Oil trucks from accessing the facility after drivers reportedly removed union stickers from their vehicles — a development that temporarily halted loading operations, as earlier reported by Petroleumprice.ng.
In a strongly worded release signed by its National President, Comrade Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG alleged that Dangote executives ordered truck drivers to strip off union stickers in defiance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on September 8.
According to the union, attempts by the trucks to force their way into the refinery gates on Thursday prompted officials to intervene, sparking a standoff at Africa’s largest refining complex.
NUPENG further accused Dangote Group’s Executive Director, Alh. Sayyu Aliu Dantata, of “arrogant tactics,” alleging he flew over the site in a helicopter and called in the Nigerian Navy to intimidate union members.
Call to the Government
The union urged the Federal Government to prevent the use of the military or other security agencies in what it described as “a private dispute,” warning that such actions undermine Nigeria’s labour laws and democratic institutions.
“We call on the Federal Government not to allow the Navy and other security agents being paid by the resources of this country to be used with impunity against the laws and people of this country,” the statement read.
Threat of Nationwide Action
NUPENG placed all its members on “red alert” for the possible resumption of the suspended nationwide strike if the situation escalates. It also called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), civil society groups, and global labour movements to rally in solidarity.
“His wealth cannot make him above the law,” the statement added, pledging that NUPENG would continue to act as a patriotic and responsible voice for Nigerian workers.
The latest confrontation deepens the standoff between NUPENG, Dangote Refinery, and MRS Oil, raising fresh uncertainty over product supply and distribution just days after the Ministry of Labour had brokered a truce to avert disruptions.