The Department of State Services (DSS) has brokered peace between Dangote Group and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), leading to the suspension of the union’s nationwide strike over a dispute on workers’ unionisation.

The truce followed a closed-door meeting at the DSS headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, which lasted nearly six hours. In attendance were Finance Minister Wale Edun; Labour Minister Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and Managing Director of Dangote Group, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata. Also present were NUPENG President Akporeha Williams, General Secretary Olawale Afolabi, NLC’s Benson Upah, and TUC’s Nuhu Toro.

A security source told Daily Trust that President Bola Tinubu personally directed DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi and Minister Dingyadi to intervene to avert hardship. “The one-day action had already threatened petroleum supply and distribution across the country,” the official said.

At the meeting, both parties reaffirmed that union membership must be voluntary, in line with Nigeria’s labour laws. After hours of negotiation, Dangote Group agreed to allow workers in its refinery and petrochemicals arm to unionise under NUPENG, provided no employee is compelled to join.

The agreement, contained in a three-page Memorandum of Understanding signed by all parties, outlined that:

• The unionisation process would begin immediately and conclude within two weeks (September 9–22, 2025).
• Dangote Group would not establish any rival union to NUPENG, PENGASSAN, or other oil and gas unions.
• No employee would be victimised for participating in union activities.
• All parties would report progress to the Minister of Labour within one week of completion.

Following the deal, NUPENG suspended its strike “with immediate effect.”

Describing the outcome as a “victory for workers and the masses,” NUPENG President Akporeha Williams said:
“Victory is ours finally. We have won. We are calling off the strike and resume work. Communique granting recognition for unionisation in Dangote Group has been finally signed by all parties. Thank you all for the support and solidarity.”

The peace deal came a day after an earlier Federal Government meeting ended in deadlock. NUPENG’s strike had already led to fuel station shutdowns in several states.