Just in: FG, NUPENG begin meeting over strike threat

The Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) are locked in a crucial meeting in Abuja to avert a nationwide strike.

Although the meeting was billed to start by 10:00 a.m., it only kicked off around 5:30 p.m. at the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity following the late arrival of union officials.

The talks are expected to address NUPENG’s grievances, including claims that Dangote Refinery and its associates are promoting “anti-union practices” and “monopolistic strategies” in the oil and gas sector.

The union also accused the refinery of paying some of the lowest wages in the industry and barring drivers of imported CNG trucks from joining unions, describing the move as a violation of the Constitution, the Labour Act, and international labour conventions.

With the economy already in a fragile state, the outcome of today’s meeting will determine whether NUPENG pushes ahead with its strike action.

Details later…