Sources privy to the discussions revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is currently being drafted to formalize the agreement, with a two-week window proposed for full implementation.
However, the talks convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, stalled on Monday due to disagreements over the exact wording of the final communiqué.
According to insiders, while the Dangote Group had conceded to the central demand of unionisation — which had been the major sticking point in the standoff — the meeting deadlocked when both sides failed to agree on the precise phrasing of the resolution.
The deadlock comes after weeks of mounting pressure from organised labour, with NUPENG threatening a nationwide shutdown of fuel distribution in protest of what it described as attempts to deny workers their right to freely associate.
Despite the stalemate, sources remain optimistic that a breakthrough is imminent, stressing that both parties are “closer than ever” to a formal settlement.
Labour observers say the eventual signing of the MoU could mark a turning point for industrial relations at Africa’s largest refinery, easing tensions that threatened to disrupt Nigeria’s already fragile energy supply chain.
