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By Victory Oghene
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.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Muhammad Dingyadi, made the appeal in a statement issued on Sunday, September 7.
Dingyadi urged NUPENG to reconsider its decision, warning that shutting down the petroleum sector would severely cripple the Nigerian economy and worsen the hardship faced by the citizens.
“I have intervened in this matter and invited all parties for a conciliation meeting,” Dingyadi said.
The minister also appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to withdraw its red alert directing affiliate unions to prepare for solidarity action with petroleum workers.
He added: “The petroleum sector is the core of our economy.
“Even a day’s strike will cause heavy revenue losses, running into billions, and bring untold hardship to Nigerians.”
Dingyadi assured the public that the dispute between NUPENG and the Dangote Group over unionisation rights would be resolved peacefully to avoid any disruption in the oil and gas industry.
Dingyadi stated: “I plead with the unions to give peace a chance.
“This matter will be resolved amicably, to the satisfaction of all parties involved.”