By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
FUEL DISTRIBUTION has resumed nationwide after the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) suspended its strike following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with representatives of Dangote Refinery.
The union confirmed that the strike was called off after both parties reached a resolution on the dispute that had grounded loading activities and paralysed depots across the country.
Before the agreement, the strike had entered its second day, leading to the complete suspension of fuel lifting operations and triggering long queues in parts of Lagos and other major cities as motorists rushed to buy fuel in anticipation of scarcity.
Reports informed that a source at the Satellite Depot had warned that filling stations were already depleting stock and had cautioned that a fuel price crisis could have erupted within 72 hours if the dispute had persisted.
The source further noted that station owners might have been forced to adjust pump prices in response to tightening supply.
The industrial action, NUPENG explained, was sparked by unresolved disputes with Dangote Refinery over welfare, conditions of service, and recognition of union rights within its operations.
The union accused the refinery of sidelining existing collective bargaining agreements and neglecting to properly integrate drivers and depot workers into its system.
Vice President of the Oil and Gas Service Providers Association (OGSPAN), Lawal Kamaldeen, also reacted to the development by acknowledging NUPENG’s concerns while stressing the positive impact of the refinery on the sector.
He pointed out that the refinery had already introduced improved welfare standards for drivers.
“The company is paying drivers around ₦300,000 each and has provided decent accommodation for them, which is unprecedented in the sector.
“If given the chance and encouragement, we believe the refinery will continue to positively impact drivers, stakeholders, the sector, and Nigeria’s economy,” Mr Kamaldeen said.
