Fuel Crisis Deepens as Talks Between FG, NUPENG, and Dangote End in Deadlock

The high-level meeting convened by the Federal Government on Monday to resolve the ongoing dispute between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Group ended without any resolution.

Originally scheduled for 3:00 p.m., the meeting began around 5:00 p.m. and included key stakeholders such as Labour and Employment Minister Muhammad Dingyadi, NUPENG President Williams Akporeha, and representatives from the Dangote Group. However, as of press time, no official statement had been issued on the outcome.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Dingyadi emphasized its significance, saying, “We are here to try and reconcile our labour unions in the oil industry and the employers in Dangote Group. This is not the first time we are having this kind of dispute.”

A source close to the discussions told NIGERIA NEWS 247 that no agreement had been reached, with more clarity expected by Tuesday.

Meanwhile, NUPENG enforced its strike action on Monday by shutting down major fuel depots and some filling stations in Lagos and Warri, causing noticeable disruptions. In Warri, transport fares have already surged as a result.

Despite the strike, fuel prices in the Federal Capital Territory remained relatively stable by Monday night, ranging between ₦885 and ₦910 per litre—except for Empire Filling Station, where it sold at ₦950.

Tensions could escalate further as other petroleum sector unions—including the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO)—have threatened to join the strike if the dispute remains unresolved.

NUPENG’s protest centers on alleged anti-labour practices by the Dangote Group, particularly its plan to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks nationwide. Akporeha has described the move as exploitative, while Dangote maintains it will go ahead with its policy.