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The Coalition of Civil Society Groups has hailed the Department of State Services (DSS) for what it described as a “powerful patriotic intervention” that successfully diffused the looming industrial crisis between the Dangote Group and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

In a statement signed by its scribe, Amb. Muhammad Nurainni bin Ahmad, the Coalition commended the DSS for its “strategic engagement” that prevented a nationwide shutdown of fuel distribution, a crisis that could have crippled Nigeria’s fragile economy.

The resolution came after a marathon closed-door meeting at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, where top government officials and labour leaders engaged Dangote management for nearly six hours.

According to the statement, the meeting began at 1:35 pm and ended around 7:15 pm on Tuesday, with the Managing Director of Dangote Group, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, leading the company’s delegation. Labour leaders in attendance included NUPENG President, Akporeha Williams; General Secretary, Olawale Afolabi; Benson Upah of the Nigeria Labour Congress; and Nuhu Toro of the Trade Union Congress.

On the government’s side, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi; and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha joined DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, in driving negotiations under direct instructions from President Bola Tinubu.

“The President had to intervene in the matter directly by directing the DG DSS and the Minister of Finance to quench the looming industrial disharmony. Their one-day action had already threatened petroleum supply and distribution across the country,” a source at the meeting disclosed.

At the end of deliberations, both parties resolved to respect Nigeria’s labour laws, with a firm agreement that no employee should be compelled to join any union. The constitutional right to freedom of association, including the right to either affiliate with or decline membership of a labour body, was reaffirmed.

“The DSS has once again demonstrated its patriotism by protecting the interest of ordinary Nigerians, ensuring industrial peace, and averting a fuel crisis that would have had devastating consequences on the economy,” Amb. Muhammad Nurainni stated.

With the DSS-led truce, NUPENG has directed its members to suspend the planned nationwide strike, bringing relief to Nigerians who feared another round of fuel scarcity and economic disruption.

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