The leadership of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) failed to attend a crucial Federal Government meeting aimed at resolving its dispute with the Dangote Group, as tensions escalate over a planned nationwide strike by oil workers.

The meeting, called by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, was set for 10:00 a.m. on Monday at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. However, by 2:30 p.m., the meeting had yet to start due to the absence of NUPENG representatives.

On Sunday, the Federal Government appealed to NUPENG to postpone the industrial action, assuring that it had intervened in the dispute. It also urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to withdraw its “red alert” issued to affiliate unions preparing for a solidarity strike.

An insider noted that even if NUPENG plans to attend the meeting, it won’t be immediate. “They can’t be expected to fly into Abuja and rush into talks the same day. Consultations with NLC leadership and others need to happen first,” the source explained.

The core of the conflict centers on the Dangote Group’s alleged anti-union policy, which NUPENG claims violates workers’ rights. The union insists that no oil worker will be allowed to work at Dangote without union membership, accusing the company of an “anti-worker and anti-union” stance aimed at exploiting refinery employees.

NUPENG officials were still in Lagos on Monday afternoon, coordinating the strike effort. “You don’t wait until a strike is declared before calling for talks,” one union source said, criticizing the government’s delayed response. “The union gave sufficient notice, but the ministry only acted after tensions rose.”

Meanwhile, while journalists awaited the start of the NUPENG meeting, Minister Dingyadi held a separate closed-door session with representatives of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

The government has yet to announce a new meeting date or confirm if NUPENG will participate at a later time.

The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), representing Petroleum and Tanker Drivers (PTD), has condemned Dangote Refinery’s decision to deploy 10,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tankers for petroleum product distribution, calling it a monopoly that threatens the livelihood of thousands of workers in the sector.

NUPENG described the move as anti-labour and harmful to PTD members, highlighting that drivers recruited by Dangote for these operations are reportedly barred from joining any trade union. The union warned this action violates both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and international labour laws.

Speaking anonymously, some tanker drivers expressed concerns to journalists that unless the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority intervenes swiftly, the situation could escalate and seriously damage the Nigerian economy, affecting millions of livelihoods.

The tanker drivers outlined several looming risks including:

• Loss of income for tanker owners and their families
• Unemployment for drivers, motor boys, and support staff
• Job losses for truck mechanics, painters, welders, and fabricators
• Decline in business for spare parts dealers, tyre and battery sellers
• Negative impact on depot representatives, artisans, and food vendors
• Financial ruin for transporters who have invested heavily in the sector

They warned that the move could result in millions of job losses, sparking social insecurity, increased poverty, and a surge in unemployment nationwide.

The second edition of the Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) commenced today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Themed ‘Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development’, the summit is billed for September 8-10, is being attended by world leaders, private Sector delegates, and top United Nations officials; policymakers, climate experts, and civil society.

Inputs from the deliberations will be used to forge a common African position ahead of the COP30 negotiations scheduled for Brazil next year.

Discussions will centre on how Africa can tap its vast renewable energy potential, showcase homegrown technology, attract climate finance, and strike a balance between development priorities and urgent climate action.

The first edition of the summit was held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2023, where African leaders adopted the Nairobi Declaration — a roadmap for the continent’s green growth and financing agenda.