The federal government’s meeting aimed at addressing the strike threat by Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) against alleged anti-union practices by Dangote refinery ended in a stalemate.
The federal government, through the ministry of labour and employment, had convened the meeting in Abuja on Monday, in a bid to end the planned industrial action.
According to NAN, discussions at the meeting reportedly broke down as the Dangote representatives walked out of the meeting.
Speaking after the meeting, Muhammad Dingyadi, minister of labour and employment, who presided over the meeting, told journalists that progress was slow.
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“We have not been able to reach a final agreement on this matter. Negotiations will continue,” he said.
“Maybe by tomorrow, we will resolve the issues. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace as discussions continue.”
The minister assured Nigerians that the government is still committed to finding common ground for all parties.
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Also speaking, Benson Upah, acting general secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), alleged that the Dangote refinery’s delegation was “deliberately sabotaging the process”.
“The representative of the Dangote Refinery walked out on the Honourable Minister and Organised Labour. So, there was no agreement,” he said.
“Even when we bent backwards to accommodate his uncompromising behaviour, he still did what he did.
“So, we are left with no choice than to do the needful. The action continues.”
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Upah added that the labour movement remained open to dialogue, but could not negotiate alone.
“It takes more than one party to reach a resolution. Whenever the Dangote Refinery sees the need for genuine dialogue, we are ready, even this night, if they return,” he said.
On his part, Williams Akporeha, NUPENG president, said the association’s action on the matter is for the interest of Nigerians.
Akporeha accused the refinery of allegedly denying employees the right to unionise.
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