The Federal Government has summoned business mogul Aliko Dangote and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to an emergency meeting as oil workers prepare to embark on a nationwide strike starting Monday.
The meeting, scheduled for this weekend in Abuja, is aimed at averting a total shutdown of fuel supply and resolving disputes that could paralyse economic activities across the country.
Government officials said the strike threat, if carried out, would severely disrupt transport, power, and industrial operations.
“The Ministry of Labour and Employment is working round the clock to ensure dialogue takes place and a peaceful resolution is reached before Monday,” a senior official stated.
NUPENG had earlier announced the strike action, citing unresolved issues over workers’ welfare, unpaid entitlements, and alleged unfair labour practices within the petroleum sector. The union insists that only concrete commitments from government and stakeholders will stop the industrial action.
Dangote, whose refinery and downstream operations are central to Nigeria’s energy sector, is expected to play a crucial role in the negotiations.
Labour analysts warn that a prolonged strike could worsen fuel scarcity, increase transportation costs, and further deepen the hardship already facing Nigerians.
The Federal Government has appealed for restraint while expressing optimism that the emergency talks will yield positive results.
