The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has suspended its strike following a truce brokered by the Department of State Services (DSS) between the Federal Government, organised labour, and oil industry stakeholders.

The resolution was reached during a high-level meeting in Abuja, which brought together top government officials, representatives of the Dangote Refinery, and leaders of major trade unions.

In attendance were the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; as well as the Dangote Refinery delegation led by Alhaji Sayyu Dantata.

Labour was represented by Mr. Akpouha Williams of NUPENG, Mr. Benson Upah of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Dr. N. A. Toto, mni, of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

After hours of deliberation, both parties reaffirmed the need to uphold existing labour laws, stressing that no worker should be coerced into joining any union, while employees must retain the freedom to choose union membership or decline affiliation.

Other contentious issues were also addressed, leading to the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by all stakeholders.

With the agreement sealed, NUPENG immediately suspended its industrial action, which had posed a threat to petroleum supply and distribution nationwide.

Government officials described the outcome as a major breakthrough for industrial peace, while labour leaders pledged to continue safeguarding workers’ rights within the framework of the law.