Uche Cecil Izuora
Key petroleum marketing Associations have agreed to suspend their announced strike action which was in support of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
The NUPENG which is spearheading the industrial action has suspended its threat after a truce was reached between the Federal Government, organised labour, and key players in the oil industry.
The resolution was reached at a high-level meeting in Abuja on Sunday, which brought together senior government officials, representatives of Dangote Refinery, and leaders of major trade unions.
Among those in attendance were the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and a delegation from the Dangote Refinery led by Alhaji Sayyu Dantata.
Labour was represented by Mr. Akpouha Williams of NUPENG, Mr. Benson Upah of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Dr. N. A. Toto, of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
All parties agreed to uphold existing labour laws, particularly the provision that workers cannot be compelled to join any union and must retain the freedom to either affiliate with or decline membership of any labour body.
Other contentious issues were also resolved, leading to the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by all stakeholders.
The agreement paved the way for NUPENG to immediately call off its strike, which had posed a threat to the nation’s petroleum supply and distribution network.
Government officials described the outcome as a significant step towards ensuring industrial harmony in the oil and gas sector. Labour leaders, on their part, reaffirmed their commitment to protecting workers’ rights within the framework of the law.
Also, the National President of PETROAN, Dr. Billy Gillis Harry, has announced the call-off of the nationwide strike.
The strike, which involved the suspension of dispensing, has been halted. This development is expected to bring relief to Nigerians.
PETROAN’s decision to call off the strike follows intense negotiations and a resolution mediated by Honourable Ministers, security agencies, and government agencies between Dangote Refinery and NUPENG.
PETROAN members have been directed to resume dispensing nationwide immediately. Normalcy is expected to return to the petroleum sector as fuel supply returns to normal, with depots and filling stations resuming operations.
The National President of PETROAN, Dr. Billy Gillis Harry, commends the members of PETROAN for their 100 per cent compliance nationwide during the strike, noting their discipline and solidarity.
“PETROAN is thankful to the Minister of Labour, Minister of State for Petroleum, Executive Director NMDPRA, Director DSS, and the Inspector General of Police for their roles in resolving the dispute.
“The call-off is seen as a positive development for the nation’s economy.” a statement signed by Dr Joseph Obele, National PRO, PETROAN said.
Following the steps taken by others the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Western Zone, has suspended its strike action following agreements reached with Dangote Group and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) workers.
The suspension, effective Sept. 9, 2025, was contained in a statement issued by the Western Zone Chairman of IPMAN, Chief Oyewọle Akanni, and made available in Ibadan on Tuesday.
Akanni said the decision followed productive discussions and mutual agreements that addressed issues raised by NUPENG over alleged anti-labour and monopolistic practices by Dangote Groups.
“Following productive discussions and compliance by Dangote Group on agitation by NUPENG, we have decided to call off the strike action effective today, September 9.
“This decision comes after careful consideration and assurances addressing concerns regarding anti-labour and monopolistic ideas by Dangote Group,” he said.
Akanni commended members of IPMAN for their unity and solidarity during the industrial action, noting that their efforts were instrumental in advocating for fair competition in the downstream oil sector.
He urged marketers to resume their daily and operational activities without delay.