The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the price of petrol from 840 naira to 835 naira per litre after reaching an agreement with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
NUPENG had earlier threatened to go on strike over allegations that the refinery was stopping some of its workers from joining trade unions. The union said this was against labour laws and insisted that workers must be allowed to unionise.
The federal government, through the Ministry of Labour, stepped in to settle the matter. A meeting was held where both Dangote Refinery and NUPENG signed a memorandum of understanding.
In the agreement, the refinery management accepted that workers who want to join unions can go ahead without fear of victimisation. It was also agreed that the process of registering workers under trade unions should start immediately and be completed within two weeks.
As part of the negotiation, the price of petrol was adjusted slightly from 840 naira per litre to 835 naira per litre. Even though the reduction is only 5 naira, it is seen as important because of the current high cost of living in the country.
The decision to cut the price also helped to prevent a strike that could have caused fuel scarcity across the nation. Filling stations and depots are expected to reflect the new price in their operations.
NUPENG has since suspended its strike threat and described the agreement as a victory for Nigerian workers. Dangote Refinery also promised to follow the terms of the agreement. Nigerians are watching closely to see if the promises will be kept and if this step will bring more stability to the fuel market.
SOURCE: Legit.ng
