The much-anticipated meeting between the Federal Government, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Dangote Group, and other key stakeholders ended in a deadlock on Monday, raising fears of a worsening fuel crisis for Nigerians.

The meeting, originally scheduled for 3 p.m., did not start until after 5 p.m. Despite hours of discussion, no official resolution was reached, and none of the parties — including the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, NUPENG president Williams Akporeha, or representatives of the Dangote Group — disclosed concrete outcomes at the close of talks.

Speaking earlier, Minister Dingyadi stressed the importance of dialogue, noting that this was not the first time the oil sector would face such disputes. However, industry insiders told DAILY POST that it appeared no common ground had been found.

Meanwhile, NUPENG began enforcing its strike on Monday, shutting down major depots and filling stations in Lagos and Warri. The move has already sparked a rise in transport fares, especially in Warri, though fuel prices in Abuja largely remained between ₦885 and ₦910 per litre, with one station selling at ₦950.

NUPENG’s grievances stem from what it describes as anti-labour policies by the Dangote Group, particularly its plan to roll out 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks for petroleum distribution nationwide. The union argues that the move sidelines workers and amounts to “enslavement.” Dangote, however, has insisted on moving forward with the policy.

Adding to the tension, several other associations — including PETROAN, PENGASSAN, NOGASA, and NARTO — have threatened to join the strike. If that happens, the country could face fuel scarcity, higher prices, and crippling disruptions in transport and supply chains.

Industry leaders, including the National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Abubakar Maigandi, have urged both sides to reach a sustainable resolution in the interest of Nigerians, warning that prolonged disputes will only worsen economic hardship.

For now, all eyes remain on Abuja, where another round of negotiations is expected. But with depots already closed and queues building up, Nigerians are bracing for more tough days at the pump.