The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have called on President Bola Tinubu and key stakeholders to urgently intervene in the escalating dispute between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Refinery.
The appeal comes as tensions flare over labor concerns at the $19 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, which began producing refined petroleum products earlier this year in a bid to reduce Nigeria's reliance on fuel imports.
NUPENG, representing thousands of oil and gas workers, has accused the refinery's management of sidelining union members in favor of non-unionized labor, leading to threats of industrial action that could disrupt the nascent domestic supply chain.
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, PETROAN President Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry and IPMAN National President Abdulkadir Umar expressed deep concern over the potential fallout.
"The ongoing disagreement risks derailing the progress of local refining and could exacerbate fuel scarcity and price hikes for consumers," they said.
"We implore President Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and other relevant authorities to facilitate dialogue and resolve this matter amicably to safeguard the downstream sector."
The associations highlighted the refinery's critical role in stabilizing Nigeria's energy market, noting that any shutdown or disruption could lead to renewed importation challenges and economic strain on retail outlets nationwide.
PETROAN and IPMAN, which together represent over 80% of independent fuel marketers, emphasized that a resolution would benefit workers, businesses, and the broader economy.
Sources close to the negotiations indicate that NUPENG has been pushing for the recognition of its members in refinery operations, including loading and distribution activities, while Dangote Refinery maintains that it adheres to all labor laws and prioritizes efficiency.
The dispute has already prompted informal discussions, but no formal agreement has been reached.
President Tinubu's office is yet to respond publicly to the appeal, but industry watchers anticipate swift action given the refinery's strategic importance to his administration's economic diversification agenda.
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