The Federal Government has appealed to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to suspend its planned nationwide strike scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, made the appeal in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, signed by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Patience Onuobia.
Dingyadi urged the union to reconsider its decision, warning that shutting down the petroleum sector would cripple the economy and deepen the hardship faced by Nigerians.
“I have intervened in this matter and invited all parties for a conciliation meeting,” the minister said.
He also appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to withdraw its red alert, which directed affiliate unions to prepare for solidarity action with petroleum workers.
“The petroleum sector is the core of our economy. Even a day’s strike will cause huge revenue losses, running into billions, and bring untold hardship to Nigerians,” he cautioned.
Dingyadi assured the public that the dispute between NUPENG and the Dangote Group over unionisation rights would be resolved peacefully to avoid disruptions in the oil and gas industry.
“I plead with the unions to give peace a chance. This matter will be resolved amicably, to the satisfaction of all parties involved,” he added.
