NUPENG calls off strike after DSS brokers truce with govt, unions

By: Our Reporter

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has called off its industrial action after the Department of State Services (DSS) brokered a truce between the Federal Government, oil industry stakeholders, and organised labour.

It was gathered that the resolution followed a high-level meeting convened in Abuja with key government officials, representatives of Dangote Refinery, and leaders of major trade unions.

Those in attendance included the Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun; Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and the Dangote Refinery delegation led by Alhaji Sayyu Dantata.

Also present were labour leaders: Mr Akpouha Williams of NUPENG, Mr Benson Upah of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Dr NA Toto, mni+, of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

After hours of deliberation, both parties resolved to uphold existing labour laws, with emphasis that employees must not be compelled to join any union, and should retain the freedom to either affiliate with or decline membership of any labour body.

Other outstanding issues of contention were also resolved, culminating in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by all stakeholders.

The agreement led to the immediate suspension of NUPENG’s strike action, which had threatened to disrupt petroleum supply and distribution across the country.

Government officials hailed the outcome as a significant step towards industrial peace, while labour leaders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting workers’ rights within the boundaries of the law.

NUPENG calls off strike after DSS brokers truce with govt, unions

Gunmen kill trader in Kafanchan, kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

A 42-year-old man, Shok Musa, has been killed by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in Kafanchan in Kaduna state.

Zagazola gathered from reliable sources that the incident occurred on Sunday night near the victim’s shop at Ungwa Kanikon, Gidan Waya.

Security forces rushed to the scene after receiving a distress call, and found Musa with fatal gunshot injuries on his back.

“He was taken to Anglican Hospital, Gidan Waya, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor. His body was later deposited at the Kafanchan General Hospital mortuary,”said the sources.

The sources added that investigation had commenced, and efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the perpetrators.

Gunmen kill trader in Kafanchan, kaduna

Security forces fortify Kaduna–Abuja rail line, Rigasa station and highway

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces have intensified patrols and security measures along the Abuja–Kaduna railway corridor, Rigasa train station, and the Abuja–Kaduna highway.

Sources said the move was part of efforts to protect critical transport infrastructure and forestall criminal attacks.

The sources stated that area commanders in Jere and Kakuri, as well as divisional police officers along the rail corridor, had been placed on red alert in collaboration with other security agencies.

“Rigasa train main station has been fortified, while patrols along the railway line and sub-stations have been intensified. Patrol vehicles deployed on the Abuja–Kaduna highway are maintaining 24-hour visibility, with hourly situation reports rendered accordingly,”said sources.

Security forces assured the public of its commitment to ensuring safe travel and the protection of lives and property across the state.

Security forces fortify Kaduna–Abuja rail line, Rigasa station and highway