AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The Federal Government has waded into the brewing industrial dispute between the Dangote Group and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), summoning both parties to an emergency meeting scheduled for Monday, September 8.
The meeting, convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, is aimed at averting the nationwide strike declared by oil workers, which is expected to paralyze economic activities if allowed to proceed.
NUPENG had, last week, announced that its members would commence a total shutdown of operations beginning Monday, citing alleged anti-union practices by the Dangote Group and other grievances.
The union accused the company of deliberately frustrating workers’ right to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the umbrella body of trade unions in the country, has thrown its weight behind NUPENG, declaring that it is not only a fight for oil workers but also a battle for the survival of the labour movement and the dignity of Nigerian workers.
To this end, the NLC has directed its 54 affiliate unions and 36 state councils nationwide to mobilize and prepare to join the strike if the issues are not resolved.
Labour leaders insist that unless government intervenes decisively, the industrial action will continue indefinitely until the demands are met.
The looming strike has triggered nationwide anxiety, with fears of acute fuel scarcity, economic dislocation, and social unrest.
Analysts warn that even a few days of disruption in petroleum distribution could ground transport services, inflate commodity prices, and worsen hardship for millions of Nigerians.
The outcome of Monday’s emergency meeting will therefore be crucial in determining whether the strike goes ahead or is suspended.
