Fuel Crisis Looms as FG, NUPENG, Dangote Talks Collapse Without Agreement

The meeting convened by the Federal Government to resolve the standoff between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Group ended without resolution on Monday, raising fresh fears of worsening fuel scarcity across the country.

The closed-door meeting, held at the Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja, was scheduled for 3:00 p.m. but only commenced after 5:00 p.m. Despite hours of deliberation, no communique was issued, and none of the parties—the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, NUPENG President Williams Akporeha, or representatives of the Dangote Group—disclosed details of the outcome.

A source familiar with the negotiations told journalists that discussions failed to produce a compromise. “Details are still sketchy, but it seems there is no agreement yet. More clarity should emerge by Tuesday,” the source said.

Ahead of the talks, Minister Dingyadi had described the meeting as crucial for industrial harmony, noting that it was aimed at reconciling “labour unions in the oil industry and the employers in Dangote Group.” But the absence of concrete progress has heightened concerns over nationwide fuel availability.

NUPENG, in enforcement of its strike directive, shut down major depots and filling stations in Lagos and Warri on Monday, leaving motorists stranded and triggering immediate hikes in transport fares in parts of Delta State. In Abuja, fuel pump prices remained between ₦885 and ₦910 per litre in most stations, while Empire Filling Station raised its price to ₦950.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) president, Abubakar Maigandi, urged both sides to reach a “sustainable resolution in the interest of Nigerians,” warning that prolonged disputes would worsen the country’s economic challenges. His appeal came as other industry unions—the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO)—signalled readiness to join the protest if issues remain unresolved.

At the heart of the dispute is NUPENG’s opposition to Dangote Group’s plan to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks for nationwide distribution of petroleum products. The union accused the conglomerate of pursuing “anti-labour policies designed to enslave workers,” while Dangote has insisted the policy is a strategic business move. With negotiations stalled, Nigerians may now face another round of fuel scarcity and price hikes in the coming days.