The tension between the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Group has taken a new turn, with fresh allegations linking Sayyu Dantata, Dangote’s half-brother and Chairman of MS Group, to a reported attempt at intimidating union members.
In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, NUPENG’s National President, Williams Akporeha, accused Dantata of calling on the Nigerian Navy to “crush” members of the union after disagreements over previously negotiated resolutions.
According to NUPENG, the Dangote Group and its associates are allegedly working to undermine agreements brokered by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, alongside the Department of State Security (DSS).
One of the contentious issues raised was an instruction allegedly given by Dantata to long-serving Petroleum Tanker Drivers—who are NUPENG members—to remove union stickers from their trucks. The union claims this move directly violates the peace resolution reached between both parties.
“Sayyu Dantata flew over our members several times with his helicopter and later invited the Nigerian Navy to confront union officials,” the statement alleged. “Our members are prepared to resist any attempt to suppress them.”
This latest development comes shortly after NUPENG temporarily suspended its strike action, which began earlier in the week in protest against what it described as anti-labour practices by the Dangote Group.
The union has now issued a red alert to its members and affiliate unions, hinting at the possibility of resuming industrial action if the situation is not addressed.
As tensions escalate, stakeholders are watching closely to see whether dialogue will prevail or if another strike could disrupt petroleum distribution across the country.
