Strike continues, but dialogue ongoing, says NUPENG president

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) says its strike action against the alleged anti-union practices of Dangote refinery will continue after failed negotiations.

On Monday, the federal government’s meeting aimed at addressing the standoff between Dangote refinery and NUPENG ended in a stalemate.

Speaking during Arise News ‘Breakfast Show’ on Tuesday, Williams Akporeha, NUPENG’s president, said the union is engaging in further dialogue with stakeholders.

“As it is, we are still open to dialogue, engagement. Discussions are also ongoing. The strike is still on though there has been an appeal that we should slow down. Under my leadership, strike has not been the thing. I would rather engage more and see how we can resolve issues,” he said.

“We thought that yesterday’s meeting would just be a one-day affair, and we’d call off and everybody will go back.

“But what we saw yesterday should tell Nigerians that we are in for a dictator investor, and we must stand up against that. So, the strike continues anyway.”

However, he expressed hope that a good reason will prevail and the issue will be resolved as quickly as possible.

On September 5, NUPENG said workers will down their tools and start sourcing for alternative employment from Monday.

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) also announced plans to suspend the lifting and dispensing of petroleum products for three days, from September 9, in support of NUPENG.