The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has summoned the management of the Dangote Group and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to an emergency meeting today in a desperate bid to stop a nationwide strike planned by the oil workers.

The move comes as NUPENG, backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), vowed to commence an indefinite strike today over what it described as the “crude and dangerous anti-union practices” of the Dangote Group.

On Friday, NUPENG accused Aliko Dangote and his associates of pursuing a “monopolistic agenda and indecent industrial relations strategy,” warning that the refinery pays among the lowest wages in the oil and gas sector and recently imposed a recruitment condition barring drivers from joining any union—an act the union said violates Section 40 of the Constitution, the Labour Act, and ILO Conventions 87 and 98.

“This is a dangerous road to fascism in industrial relations where workers are treated as slaves without voice or dignity,” the union declared.

In a letter dated September 6, 2025, the Ministry of Labour invited both parties to a 3 p.m. conciliation meeting today at the minister’s conference room. But despite agreeing to attend, NUPENG leaders insisted the strike would proceed until all grievances are resolved.

The union also disowned the little-known Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), describing it as a “management-inspired fraud” created to weaken workers. It accused the Dangote Group and its ally, Sayyu Dantata of MRS, of floating the association to force drivers away from NUPENG.

Reiterating its unity, NUPENG declared: “There is no division in our ranks. Our solidarity remains constant—for the union makes us strong.”

Backing the strike, NLC President Joe Ajaero directed all 54 affiliates and 36 state councils to mobilise. He warned that if Dangote succeeded in eroding workers’ rights, “no industry, no job, and no worker in Nigeria will be safe.”

Fuel supply chains are expected to be the first casualty, with filling stations already recording queues and black market prices inching up. Analysts warn the strike could paralyse transport, power, and manufacturing if prolonged.

The Edo State chapter of the NLC has already declared support, urging residents to stockpile fuel. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) also weighed in, urging the Federal Government to call Dangote to order.

Falana argued that the refinery’s recruitment policy contravenes Nigeria’s Constitution, Trade Union Act, and multiple international conventions ratified by the country. He also called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to halt what he described as Dangote’s monopolistic practices.

“Even in advanced capitalist nations like the UK and US, strong trade unions exist,” Falana said. “It is unacceptable for the Dangote Group to attempt to obliterate unions in Nigeria.”

As the standoff intensifies, the coming hours will determine whether the government can broker peace or whether the nation will slide into a crippling shutdown.