Amid rising concerns over potential disruptions in the nation’s fuel supply chain, key players in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene in the ongoing face-off between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Refinery.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) made a joint appeal on Saturday, warning that if left unresolved, the industrial tension could snowball into a nationwide crisis capable of crippling fuel distribution and retail operations.
The disagreement between NUPENG and the management of the newly commissioned Dangote Refinery, located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, reportedly stems from labour-related issues, including allegations of poor working conditions, union recognition disputes, and alleged breaches of workers’ rights. Though the refinery is still ramping up operations, tensions between the two parties have heightened, raising fears of possible picketing or industrial action.
Speaking on behalf of PETROAN, National President Billy Gillis-Harry noted that the feud, if not addressed with immediate dialogue and mediation, could destabilize gains made in domestic refining and threaten efforts to end Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on imported petroleum products.
“We are appealing to Mr. President to step in quickly. The Dangote Refinery is a national strategic asset. Any conflict that affects its operations will inevitably impact the entire petroleum distribution chain,” Gillis-Harry stated, emphasizing that both workers’ welfare and national economic stability must be safeguarded.
Similarly, the leadership of IPMAN urged the Federal Government to act as a neutral mediator in the conflict, rather than allow the situation to deteriorate.
According to IPMAN’s National Vice President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, resolving the impasse is vital not just for the refinery’s future, but also for downstream operators whose businesses rely heavily on efficient supply from local refining facilities.
“We cannot afford disruptions, especially at a time when Nigerians are already grappling with the high cost of fuel. Whatever the issues are, we believe dialogue is the best way forward. The Presidency, Ministry of Labour, and other regulatory bodies must act decisively,” Maigandi said.
The Dangote Refinery, which began initial production earlier in 2024, is the largest single-train refinery in the world, with a projected capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. While it holds great promise for transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape and stabilizing fuel prices, observers say internal labour conflicts at such a critical juncture could dampen investor confidence and undermine its projected impact.
NUPENG, a major affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has not officially declared industrial action, but sources within the union hinted at mounting frustration among members working at the refinery. Efforts to reach Dangote Group’s management for a response have so far yielded no official statement, though insiders claim ongoing dialogue is in motion behind closed doors.
As tension simmers, stakeholders across the sector continue to call for calm and a swift resolution to avert another round of fuel-related disruptions that could add further pressure on Nigerians already burdened by economic hardship.
All eyes are now on the Federal Government and the Dangote Group to resolve the matter amicably and prevent an escalation that could affect the nation’s already fragile energy sector.
