Association berates Dangote anti-workers practices
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has expressed displeasure over the anti-workers practices displayed by Dangote Refinery. The National President of ASCSN, Mr Shehu Mohammed, in a statement on Monday, said that the arbitrary dismissal of workers for exercising their constitutional right to freely associate and belong to a trade union was a gross violation. Mohammed said that the arbitrary dismissal of workers was a gross violation of Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and a direct breach of Nigeria’s obligations under International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions. He expressed total solidarity with the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), in condemning the unjust and anti-labour practices carried out by the management of Dangote Refinery. “Such acts are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in a democracy. We, therefore, stand shoulder-to-shoulder with TUC and PENGASSAN in demanding the immediate reinstatement of all affected workers. “We support the call for an independent investigation into the refinery’s anti-worker practices,” the national president said. He commended the decision of TUC to place affiliates on stand-by for a possible national action should the demands not be met. Mohammed warned that if the matter was not resolved within a reasonable time frame, the ASCSN might be compelled to join the national action in full force, in defence of workers’ rights and to ensure justice was done. “An injury to one worker is an injury to all. No employer, regardless of size or influence, will be allowed to trample upon the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers,”
Strike: Dangote, NUPENG talks deadlocked
Prospects of the return of fuel queues loom as a marathon meeting convened by the Federal Government to resolve NUPENG’s strike against alleged Dangote Refinery’s anti- union practices ended in stalemate at dawn. The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Labour and Employment, yesterday convened the emergency meeting in a bid to end the planned industrial action on Monday in Abuja. The meeting aimed to address allegations of anti-union practices against the Dangote Refinery, but discussions reportedly broke down as the Dangote representatives walkout of the meeting. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Dingyadi, who presided over the meeting, told newsmen that progress was slow. “We have not been able to reach final agreement on this matter. Negotiations will continue. “Maybe by tomorrow, we will resolve the issues. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace as discussions continue,” he said. The minister, therefore assured all, that the government is still committed to finding common ground for all parties. Speaking, Mr Benson Upah, Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), alleged that the Dangote’s delegation was deliberately sabotaging the process. “The representative of the Dangote Refinery walked out on the Honourable Minister and Organised Labour. So, there was no agreement. “Even, when we bent backwards to accommodate his uncompromising behaviour, he still did what he did. “So, we are left with no choice than to do the needful. The action continues,” Upah said. He added that the labour movement remained open to dialogue, but, could not negotiate alone. “It takes more than one party to reach a resolution. “Whenever the Dangote Refinery sees the need for genuine dialogue, we are ready, even this night, if they return,” he said. NUPENG President, Mr Williams Akporeha, accused Dangote Refinery of seeking to suppress workers’ rights, while expanding its monopoly in Nigeria’s energy sector. According to him, NUPENG’s action on the matter is for the interest of Nigerians. “We cannot stand an investor whose main purpose is to enslave Nigerians. “Dangote cannot take us back to the dark days of slavery.”he added. He further accused the refinery of denying employees the right to unionise. “Nigerians have wished him well. He should not enslave them. “He wants to monopolise the entire system and even the workers. This, we say, No to,” he said.
NUPENG strike suffers setback as key associate withdraws
The Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP) has dissociated itself from the intended strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and its cohorts. The National President of ADITOP, Alhaji Lawan Dan-Zaki, said this in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Abuja. Nigerian Anchor reports that NUPENG had announced that its members would commence a nationwide strike from Monday, and warned of an imminent nationwide fuel scarcity. The strike is in protest against what it described as anti-labour practices linked to the deployment of newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks by the Dangote Refinery, for direct distribution of petroleum products. Dangote’s programme on direct distribution of petroleum products to end users is aimed at eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability and supporting Nigeria’s economic development. Dan-Zaki, while stating that the purported strike was uncalled for, added that ADITOP was in support of Dangote’s new petroleum products distribution scheme. He said that Dangote’s transformational efforts would not only sanitise the industry, but would further stabilise both supply and distribution, while providing jobs and new skills to millions of unemployed Nigerians. “We, members of ADITOP, hereby inform the General Public and the Federal Government that we dissociate ourselves from any intended strike or disruption by NUPENG and its cohorts. “We intend to continue moving petroleum products across the country without fear of molestation. ADITOP is in support of any petroleum products distribution scheme aimed at distributing products to the end users seamlessly and promoting economic development,’’ he said.
FG bans 60,000-litre petrol motor tankers from March 1
The Nigerian government has announced that petroleum tankers with up to 60,000 litres capacity will no longer be allowed on the roads starting March 1. This decision aims to reduce road accidents involving heavy-duty fuel trucks. Ahmed Farouk, head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), made this known in Abuja after a meeting with key stakeholders, including security agencies and transport unions. He added that by the last quarter of 2025, tankers with a 45,000-litre capacity would also be restricted from loading fuel. The ban follows concerns over frequent accidents linked to overloaded fuel tankers. Officials stressed that all stakeholders had agreed to enforce safer transportation of petroleum products nationwide. Farouk also dismissed concerns about fuel quality in Nigeria, assuring that all petroleum products meet strict regulatory standards before distribution. He said reports questioning fuel quality were misleading and lacked scientific backing. He further explained that local refineries contribute less than half of Nigeria’s daily petrol supply, with the rest being imported. Since fuel subsidies were removed, daily petrol consumption has dropped from 66 million litres to around 50 million litres. T The regulator assured Nigerians that measures are in place to maintain a steady fuel supply across the country.
NNPCL Petrol Passed Industry Quality Tests – PETROAN
As NNPCL, refiners and petroleum marketers progress in their game of conspiracy theories and feeble schemes to de-market each other’s brands and products The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) says the petrol supplied by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) meets top industry standards. This follows online claims that NNPCL’s fuel was of poor quality. PETROAN conducted a thorough test on NNPCL’s petrol, which showed that it meets all key industry requirements. Tests included flash point, density, viscosity, sulfur content, water content, and ash content, all of which passed the necessary benchmarks. PETROAN’s spokesperson, Joseph Obele, stated that NNPCL’s fuel has a safe flash point, meets density standards for engine performance, and has acceptable viscosity levels to protect engines. The sulfur content and water levels were also within limits to prevent engine damage and pollution. Obele urged the public to disregard false information from unverified sources and to rely on accurate reports. PETROAN president, Billy Gillis-Harry, also warned content creators against spreading misleading information that could harm the economy. The NNPC refuted the claims in the viral video, calling the allegations baseless and based on inaccurate research.
Cargo diversion: NUPRC threatens denial of export permits
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has threatened to deny export permits for crude oil cargoes intended for domestic refining, if oil companies do not fulfill their domestic crude obligations. The Commission Chief Executive (CCE), Mr Gbenga Komolafe, insisted that any changes to cargoes designated for domestic refining must receive express approval from the commission. Komolafe, in a letter dated Feb. 2, 2025, addressed to exploration and production companies and their equity partners reiterated that diverting crude oil meant for local refineries violates the law. At a recent meeting, attended by more than 50 critical industry players, both the refiners and producers blamed each other for the inconsistencies in the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO) policy implementation. They, however, agreed that the regulator has put in place appropriate measures for effective implementation. The refiners had claimed that producers were not meeting supply terms and preferred to sell their crude outside, forcing them to look elsewhere for feedstock. READ ALSO: Security agencies profiling ‘pantaker’ market operators The producers countered that refiners hardly met commercial and operational terms, forcing them to explore other markets elsewhere to avoid unnecessary operational bottlenecks. Komolafe, therefore, cautioned against any further breaches from either party, and advised refiners to adhere to international best practices in procurement and operational matters. He reminded producers not to vary the conditions stated in the DCSO policy without obtaining express permission from the commission before selling crude outside the agreed framework, to avoid abuse. The executive secretary referenced Section 109 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which aims to ensure a stable supply of crude oil to domestic refineries and strengthen the nation’s energy security. According to Komolafe, the commission will henceforth strictly enforce the policy regarding implementation and defaults by oil companies. READ ALSO: Rural electrification agency gets new Chief Executive Officer He stated that significant regulatory actions have already been taken by the Commission, in line with the enabling laws, to enforce compliance with the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO). “These actions include the development and signing of the Production Curtailment and DCSO Regulation 2023, as well as the creation of the DCSO framework and procedure guide for implementation. “Also, during monthly meetings with upstream operators, NUPRC monitors compliance with production metrics that provide insight into available crude volumes two months in advance, facilitating discussions regarding supply commitments to refineries,” he said. The NUPRC boss warned that it would not condone violation of the laws governing domestic crude supplies to local refineries, as such actions have implications for the country’s energy security. “Kindly note that the diversion of crude cargo designated for domestic refineries is a contravention of the law and the Commission will henceforth disallow export permits for designated crude cargos for domestic refining,” he warned.
Petrol Price Jumps to N955/Litre at Dangote Refinery
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased the price of petrol to N955 per litre. This change comes into effect today, January 17, 2025, starting at 5:30 PM. The new pricing applies to bulk buyers purchasing between 2 million and 4.99 million litres. For those buying 5 million litres or more, the price is slightly lower at N950 per litre. READ ALSO: $225.8m Debt: court orders arrest of crude oil cargo linked to Obaigbena This marks a N55.5 increase from the discounted N899.50 per litre rate offered during December’s festive period. The refinery attributed the rise to higher global crude oil prices, which have impacted production costs. All pending orders and unsold stock will be subject to the revised rates.
Avoid Panic Buying: There is sufficient Fuel – IPMAN
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has reassured citizens that the country has an adequate supply of petrol and urged them to avoid panic buying. In a move aimed at reducing transportation costs during the festive season, Dangote Petroleum Refinery recently lowered the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N899.50 per litre. READ ALSO: The Dangers of Ethnicising Shettima-Badenich Clash This development is expected to bring relief to Nigerians and foster healthy market competition. IPMAN also encouraged its members to adjust their pump prices to align with the new rates, noting that this will attract more customers and eliminate queues at filling stations. . Many marketers have already begun implementing the price change, reflecting a shift towards smoother fuel availability nationwide. This follows an earlier reduction in November, when Dangote Refinery lowered the price of petrol to N970 per litre.
NNPCL Reduces Petrol Price to N965 per Litre in Abuja
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has implemented another reduction in the pump price of petrol at its retail outlets in Abuja, lowering the cost to N965 per litre. This adjustment comes shortly after a previous decrease from N1,060 to N1,030 per litre earlier this month. This marks the second time in two weeks that the state-owned oil company has revised petrol prices downward, signaling efforts to make fuel more affordable for consumers amid ongoing economic challenges. ALSO READ: FG Declares 3 Days of Christmas Holidays The new price was observed across NNPC’s outlets in the Federal Capital Territory, and customers have already begun to enjoy the reduced rate. Dangote Refinery Ltd led the price cut when it partnered MRS filling stations nationwide, December 21, 2024 to offer fuel at N935/litre as part of Christmas give away. Many residents have expressed relief at the development, as fuel costs have been a significant concern for households and businesses alike. While no official explanation has been provided for the price adjustment, it is speculated that recent changes in market dynamics and competitive pricing strategies could have influenced the decision.
Dangote Refinery Clears Air On NNPC’s $1 Billion Stake
Dangote Refinery has clarified that the $1 billion loan secured by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) was not used to resolve liquidity issues, but was an investment to acquire a 7.24% share in the refinery. This response follows claims by NNPC’s Olufemi Soneye, who suggested the loan helped overcome financial difficulties for the refinery. According to Dangote Refinery, the $1 billion represents only about 5% of the total investment in the project, and the partnership was structured around the sale of a 20% stake for $2.76 billion, with favorable payment terms. READ ALSO: FG Monitors Ekpa’s Trial in Finland The refinery further explained that NNPC’s equity share was reduced due to its inability to fulfill a crude oil supply agreement. As a result, NNPC’s stake was adjusted to 7.24% after missing a payment deadline in June 2024. The refinery emphasized that the investment was aimed at acquiring ownership, benefiting both parties, and not as a response to liquidity challenges.