Compiled by HOSEA NYAMLONG and LOIS DADU’UT
THE agreement between NUPENG, IPMAN, and Dangote Refinery is a positive development, showcasing the willingness of both workers and the company to collaborate. By allowing workers to freely join unions without fear, the agreement boosts their confidence and guarantee them job security.
This understanding can reduce tensions that typically lead to strike actions, improving fuel supply in Nigeria and preventing disruptions. Some of the benefits of the agreement are that workers can now join unions without intimidation or victimization, the suspension of the strike ensures continuous fuel distribution, preventing scarcity and price hikes and the agreement brings about the much-needed relief to citizens who often bear the brunt of strikes in the oil sector.
Similarly, the agreement, signed on September 9, 2025, include key provisions such as the process will commence immediately and be completed within two weeks, no worker would be victimized for participating in union activities and the company will not establish any other union.
However, to prevent future strikes, it is essential for government, companies, and unions to engage in regular dialogue, addressing issues before they escalate. Honouring agreements and building trust will help maintain industrial peace.
Hon. Nanchang Napcwat, Chief of Staff to Former Members of the Plateau State House of Assembly
I think the agreement reached between the NUPENG and Dangote Refinery is a significant milestone in meeting the demands of workers. Strikes are often used as a means to drive home workers’ demands, but they should not be the only solution for resolving conflicts and labour disputes. Instead, governments and employers should explore alternative mechanisms to address workers’ concerns amicably.
It seems to me that with the agreement in place, fuel distribution has resumed, and prices have been reduced,the agreement addresses workers’ conditions of service and welfare, benefiting both employees and the company, the agreement serves the broader interest of the country by ensuring stability in the oil sector.
In fact to prevent future strikes, government should ensure that implementing agreements reached be genuine. It should ensure commitment to workers’ welfare and must constantly engage in discussions to address concerns and find mutually beneficial solutions, using effective communication and negotiation skills to resolve disputes always,
By adopting these approaches, governments and employers can reduce strikes and promote a more harmonious labour environment. As a matter of fact, the agreement between the union and Dangote Refinery is a positive development, and its successful implementation can serve as a model for other industries and companies. By prioritizing dialogue, sincerity, and collaboration, we can create a more stable and productive labour environment that benefit workers, employers, and the broader society.
Azi Aware Peter, NUKPIS, Jos North Local Government Area
IN a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s labour landscape, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and the Dangote Refinery have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) affirming the rights of workers to freely unionize without fear of victimization. This progressive move lays the groundwork for a more equitable and transparent labour environment within one of the nation’s most strategic industries. Key provisions of the agreement include a clear unionization process, a commitment to non-retaliation, and a unified labour structure—signaling a bold step toward stronger worker-employer collaboration.
The resolution is poised to have far-reaching effects beyond labour relations. By addressing the root causes of recent tensions, the agreement paves the way for the uninterrupted operations at the Dangote Refinery, one of Africa’s largest. As the unionization process is set to conclude between September 9 and 22, 2025, stakeholders anticipate a return to normalcy in fuel production and distribution. A stable and committed workforce will likely ease the nation’s persistent fuel supply challenges, boosting economic activity and delivering much-needed relief to Nigerians who depend on steady access to petroleum products. To sustain this progress and prevent future disruptions, stakeholders must adopt proactive strategies. These include government-facilitated mediation, strengthened collective bargaining mechanisms, and the promotion of fair labour practices across the board. By fostering open dialogue, mutual respect, and early conflict resolution, Nigeria can build a more resilient oil and gas sector—one where industrial harmony drives national development bringing prosperity for all.
Jimoh Muyideen Lawal, National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja
THE recent agreement between NUPENG, IPMANN, and Dangote Refinery marks a significant development in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, allowing workers to join unions without fear of victimization or imposition of alternative unions. Key provisions of the agreement reached include workers at Dangote Refinery can join unions, with the unionization process commencing immediately and expected to be completed within two weeks, no worker will be victimised for participating in union activities or strikes and the agreement enables direct access to products, potentially improving supply reliability and reducing shortages.
I hope that this agreement would positively impact the fuel situation in Nigeria by ensuring that with the IPMANN loading fuel directly from Dangote Refinery, supply chains may become more efficient, reducing shortages and disruptions as provide direct supply to marketers could lead to lower costs, potentially translating to more competitive fuel prices for consumers.
To build on this progress, the government should focus on developing and implementing clear policies to regulate the oil and gas industry, ensuring stability and predictability for investors and stakeholders, Investing in the rehabilitation and modernization of local refineries to increase domestic production capacity and reduce reliance on imports and encouraging dialogue and cooperation between stakeholders to prevent future strikes and disruptions, ensuring a stable supply of petroleum products will be sure to end strikes.
Patience Laraba Datong, University of Jos
THE recent agreement between NUPENG, IPMAN, and Dangote Refinery is a significant development that recognizes workers’ rights to unionize. This agreement brings relief to motorists and businesses that were bracing themselves for potential fuel shortages. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on September 9, 2025, ensures that employees can join unions without fear of victimization as well as prevents the establishment of parallel unions.
This agreement would likely have a positive impact on the fuel supply situation in Nigeria. With the strike suspended, fuel loading and distribution are expected to resume normally, alleviating concerns about potential shortages. The Dangote Refinery can now focus on its plans to deploy thousands of compressed natural gas-powered trucks nationwide to distribute petrol.
Finally, maintaining open communication and ensuring that all parties adhere to the agreement is essential. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment’s involvement in brokering the agreement and monitoring its implementation will be crucial. Regular dialogue between the union, refinery management, and government representatives can help address potential issues before they escalate into strikes.
Justina Nanpan Bretet,Yingi Rayfield, Jos
THE recent agreement reached between NUPENG, IPMAN, and Dangote Refinery is a positive development. It shows that when people sit down and talk, they can resolve disputes and find solutions that work for everyone. By recognizing workers’ rights, Dangote Refinery has demonstrated its commitment to treating its employees fairly. This agreement is not just a short term fix, it sets a good precedent for future collaborations between labour unions and employers in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
The agreement will likely make a big difference in the fuel supply situation in Nigeria. With the strike over, fuel depots and filling stations are reopening, and things are getting back to normal. This means fuel supplies should stabilize, and we would not see any shortages or price fluctuations.
To avoid further strikes, stakeholders and everyone involved needs to keep communication open and work together. The government, labour unions, and employers should establish a clear process for resolving disputes quickly and fairly. When employers and employees respect each other and work together, it creates a more stable business environment and prevents conflicts.
Emmanuel Ajik, Kabong, Jos
THE agreement between NUPENG, IPMAN, and Dangote Refinery is a positive step. It will likely bring about stability in fuel supply, increased market competition to potentially leading to better services and prices By and large Government pro activity should be taken, because, it is crucial to addressing workers’ demands so as to prevent future disruptions through regular dialogue, clear policies, and timely intervention.
Habila Patrick Lere, JUTH, Jos