In a statement issued on Wednesday, PEWAI President, Comrade Ebikeme Okorotie, hailed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on September 8 between Dangote Refinery, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and other critical stakeholders as a “decisive step towards strengthening industrial harmony and advancing national development.”
The MoU, endorsed by Sayyu Dantata, Managing Director of Dangote Group; Ogbugo Ukoha of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA); Benson Upah, Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); and Nuhu Toro, General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), effectively suspended the strike NUPENG had scheduled to begin on September 8, 2025.
Under the terms of the agreement, workers at Dangote Refinery and its petrochemical subsidiaries are now free to unionise without fear of intimidation or victimisation. The process of unionisation is expected to run from September 9 to September 22, 2025.
Comrade Okorotie commended Dangote’s leadership, noting that his approach demonstrated a balance between workers’ welfare and Nigeria’s broader economic stability.
“Dangote’s management has shown that it is possible to respect workers’ rights while promoting economic growth. By engaging in dialogue, negotiating in good faith, and ensuring no worker is victimised, the group has set a benchmark for industrial relations in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” he said.
PEWAI further emphasised the national importance of the refinery, warning that any disruption to its operations could trigger severe consequences for fuel supply, job security, and economic progress.
Okorotie urged NUPENG and other unions to act with prudence in future industrial disputes, stressing that Nigerians will not allow labour unrest to derail the economic gains tied to Dangote Refinery’s operations.
“While workers have the right to unionise, this right must be exercised responsibly. The refinery represents billions of naira in investment, thousands of jobs, and critical infrastructure. Any action that threatens its operations is an action that threatens all Nigerians,” he added.
The coalition also called on other corporate players in the petroleum sector to emulate Dangote’s example by combining respect for workers’ rights with responsible economic management.
PEWAI commended the roles played by the NLC, TUC, and other stakeholders in brokering the agreement, noting that their interventions were crucial in maintaining confidence in the petroleum sector.
“Industrial disputes are inevitable, but how they are resolved defines the strength of labour relations and the health of the economy. Dangote’s leadership and the willingness of the unions to engage in dialogue have prevented a crisis and safeguarded national stability,” PEWAI concluded.
