FG Steps In As Dangote, NUPENG Faceoff Worsens

The Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday held fresh talks with Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in a bid to douse rising tensions.

The meeting, which took place at DSS headquarters in Abuja, had in attendance the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, senior DSS officials, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), as well as representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Dangote Group, and NUPENG.

At the end of the talks, both sides were directed to maintain the status quo agreed at an earlier meeting on September 9. NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, said the resolution also compelled MRS Energy Ltd to restore union stickers on its trucks after allegedly removing them during the week.

But despite the truce call, the union accused Dangote Refinery of undermining its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch, spreading “falsehoods,” and offering “Greek gifts” of free petroleum delivery to weaken union power. The accusations came as videos surfaced online showing loading operations at the refinery, with claims that MRS trucks were barred while ConOil trucks gained access. Dangote has yet to officially respond.

NUPENG also alleged that Sayyu Dantata, a Dangote ally, ordered truck drivers to strip off union stickers and attempted to forcefully load products in violation of the earlier agreement.

Dangote, however, has dismissed the allegations of anti-labour practices and monopolistic ambitions, insisting its refinery complies with regulatory frameworks and has helped stabilise fuel supply while lowering costs.

The row comes as Dangote prepares to roll out 1,500 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks on Monday, part of a ₦720 billion investment targeting lower distribution costs and cheaper pump prices. The company pegged gantry prices at ₦820 per litre, with expected retail rates of ₦841 in Lagos and South-West states, and ₦851 in Abuja, Rivers, Delta, Edo, and Kwara.

Dangote projects the scheme will save Nigeria over ₦1.8 trillion annually, benefit more than 42 million small businesses, create thousands of jobs, and ease inflationary pressure. It has also invited filling stations, telecom operators, and bulk fuel consumers to join the initiative.

For now, however, the standoff between the refinery and NUPENG remains unresolved, raising fears of fresh disruptions in the downstream sector.