Nigerian Government Urges NUPENG to Halt Planned Nationwide Strike, Warns of Economic Catastrophe

In a last-minute appeal to avert a major economic shutdown, the Federal Government of Nigeria has called on the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to suspend its planned nationwide strike, scheduled to commence on Monday, September 8, 2025. The urgent plea was issued by Muhammad Dingyadi, the Minister of Labour and Employment, who warned that any industrial action in the petroleum sector would severely cripple the nation’s economy and exacerbate the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.

A Race Against Time: Government’s Appeal to Avert Crisis

The statement, released on Sunday in Abuja and signed by Ms. Patience Onuobia, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, underscores the gravity of the situation. Minister Dingyadi did not mince words, emphasizing that the petroleum sector is the lifeblood of the Nigerian economy. He urged NUPENG to reconsider its decision, highlighting the devastating ripple effects a strike would trigger across all sectors of the economy.

“I have intervened in this matter and invited all parties for a conciliation meeting,” Dingyadi stated, revealing that the government is actively working behind the scenes to broker a peaceful resolution. The dispute at the heart of the looming strike involves NUPENG and the Dangote Group over unionisation rights—a classic clash between corporate interests and workers’ rights that has now escalated to a national emergency.

The Domino Effect: Why a Petroleum Strike Spells Disaster

To understand the government’s frantic appeal, one must appreciate the central role the oil and gas industry plays in Nigeria. As Africa’s largest oil producer, the sector accounts for over 90% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings and a significant portion of its GDP. A shutdown, even for a single day, would not only halt production but also disrupt the entire supply chain—from refining to distribution.

“The petroleum sector is the core of our economy,” Dingyadi reiterated. “Even a day’s strike will cause heavy revenue losses, running into billions, and bring untold hardship to Nigerians.” This isn’t just political rhetoric; it’s an economic reality. The nation is still grappling with the aftershocks of previous fuel shortages, which led to long queues at filling stations, skyrocketing transport costs, and a spike in the prices of essential goods and services. A full-blown strike could plunge the country into a deeper crisis, affecting everything from electricity generation to small business operations.

Solidarity and Escalation: The NLC’s Role

Complicating the situation further is the involvement of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the country’s largest labour umbrella organization. The NLC had issued a “red alert,” directing its affiliate unions to prepare for solidarity actions with the petroleum workers. This move signals a potential escalation from a sector-specific strike to a broader, nationwide industrial action, which would paralyze the country.

In his statement, Minister Dingyadi also appealed directly to the NLC to withdraw its alert, recognizing that a united front from labour unions could make the situation unmanageable. The government’s strategy appears to be one of de-escalation: address the core grievance between NUPENG and the Dangote Group quickly to prevent the conflict from spreading.

Behind the Headlines: The Root of the Conflict

While the government’s statement focuses on the economic implications, the root cause of the dispute lies in the ongoing tension over workers’ right to unionize within the Dangote Group, one of Africa’s largest conglomerates. NUPENG has accused the company of anti-union practices, including intimidation and unfair labour policies, allegations that the Dangote Group has consistently denied.

This is not the first time such issues have arisen. Nigeria has a long history of labour disputes in the oil sector, often stemming from disagreements over wages, working conditions, and union rights. What makes this situation particularly volatile is its timing—amidst a fragile economic recovery and rising public discontent over inflation and unemployment.

Government’s Assurance and the Path Forward

Minister Dingyadi sought to reassure the public and the unions that a peaceful resolution is within reach. “I plead with the unions to give peace a chance,” he said. “This matter will be resolved amicably, to the satisfaction of all parties involved.”

The promise of a conciliation meeting suggests that the government is adopting a mediation approach, hoping to bring both sides to the negotiating table before the strike deadline. However, the success of this effort hinges on trust—a commodity that has often been in short supply between labour unions and both corporate and government entities in Nigeria.

Broader Implications: Economy, Society, and Stability

The potential strike goes beyond immediate economic losses. It touches on deeper issues of governance, social contract, and national stability. For the average Nigerian, already burdened by economic challenges, a fuel shortage would mean more than inconvenience; it could mean the inability to get to work, power generators running dry, and increased suffering for the most vulnerable.

Furthermore, the government’s response to this crisis will be closely watched. Will it be able to broker a deal that addresses the workers’ grievances while assuring businesses of a stable operating environment? Or will this become another chapter in Nigeria’s history of labour unrest, leading to prolonged negotiations and further economic damage?

A Call for Dialogue Over Disruption

As the clock ticks down to Monday, the nation holds its breath. The government’s appeal is a clear recognition that dialogue, not disruption, is the only way forward. For NUPENG and the NLC, the decision to proceed with or suspend the strike will depend on whether they believe the government’s promises are credible and whether their core demands are being taken seriously.

In the end, this situation is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of Nigeria’s economy and the critical importance of its energy sector. It also highlights the ongoing struggle to balance the rights of workers with the need for economic stability—a challenge that requires empathy, negotiation, and, above all, leadership.

One can only hope that all parties involved will prioritize the national interest and find a resolution that avoids the catastrophic consequences of a nationwide strike. The future of Nigeria’s economy—and the well-being of its people—may depend on it.