The nationwide strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has entered a critical stage following the collapse of negotiations between the Federal Government and the Dangote Group.
Talks aimed at resolving the standoff broke down late Monday, with both sides trading blame over fuel pricing and distribution bottlenecks. The union insists that exploitative practices, unfair pricing models, and harsh working conditions in the sector must be addressed before it considers suspending the strike.
The Federal Government had intervened to mediate between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery, which plays a central role in Nigeria’s fuel supply chain. However, union leaders accused the government of siding with private interests, while Dangote officials countered that the demands were unrealistic and unsustainable.
The strike has already disrupted fuel supply in several cities, with long queues resurfacing at petrol stations across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Transport costs are rising, and businesses warn of looming economic consequences if the impasse continues.
NUPENG has vowed to sustain the industrial action until its concerns are addressed, while government officials scramble to reconvene talks in hopes of averting a full-blown energy crisis.
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