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Fuel loading resumed across depots and filling stations on Wednesday following an agreement reached between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

Confirming the development, NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, told our correspondent that depots and other petroleum facilities earlier shut down due to the two-day strike had been reopened. When asked if the depots closed on Monday and Tuesday were now operational, Akporeha simply replied, “Yes!”

The strike, which began on Monday, was triggered by the alleged refusal of the Dangote Refinery to allow its drivers to unionise. Reports suggested that drivers being recruited for the refinery’s 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas-powered trucks were barred from joining any trade union or association.

The dispute escalated when the initial peace meeting organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment failed, forcing depots and some filling stations nationwide to shut down

However, after the intervention of the Department of State Services, both parties reached a truce late Tuesday. According to the agreement, “The management agreed with this fact and responded that they are not averse to the unionisation of their employees by labour unions in tandem with the provisions of the extant labour laws.”

The statement added: “After exhaustive deliberations, the following resolutions were reached by both parties: That since workers’ unionisation is a right in line with the provisions of the extant laws, the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals agreed to the unionisation of employees of Dangote Refinery and the unionisation of employees of Petrochemicals who are willing to unionise. That the process of unionisation shall commence immediately and be completed within two weeks (9th–22nd September 2025), and it was agreed that the employer will not set up any other union. Arising from the strike notice, no worker or employee of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals will be victimised.”

Our correspondent gathered from industry operators that petroleum tanker drivers resumed loading operations on Wednesday, easing fears of an imminent fuel crisis.

Meanwhile, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, confirmed that the association had also called off its nationwide strike.

He explained, “The strike, which involved the suspension of dispensing, was halted following intense negotiations and a resolution mediated by ministers, security agencies, and government agencies between Dangote Refinery and NUPENG.”

Gillis-Harry further directed members to resume dispensing nationwide. “Normalcy has returned to the petroleum sector as fuel supply returns to normal, with depots and filling stations resuming operations,” he assured.

He praised members for their loyalty and discipline, stating, “PETROAN members showed 100 per cent compliance nationwide during the strike, and we commend their discipline and solidarity. PETROAN is thankful to the Minister of Labour, the Minister of State for Petroleum, the NMDPRA, the Director of DSS, and the Inspector General of Police for their roles in resolving the dispute. The call-off is seen as a positive development for the nation’s economy.

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