The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has vowed to proceed with its planned strike today (Monday), despite last-minute interventions by the Federal Government to resolve the dispute.
NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, confirmed on Sunday that the government had reached out to the union in a bid to avert the industrial action. However, he stressed that the strike would continue as planned, pending the outcome of a scheduled meeting in Abuja today.
The union had earlier announced that the strike would commence on September 8, 2025, a move that could plunge the country into fuel scarcity. The decision followed the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s plan to import 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution to retailers.
Union Accuses Dangote of Anti-Labour Practices
In a joint statement signed by Akporeha and NUPENG General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the union accused the Dangote Refinery of engaging in anti-labour practices that threaten the jobs of its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD).
According to the union, Dangote insisted that newly recruited drivers for the imported trucks would not be allowed to join any workers’ union. NUPENG described this as a violation of the 1999 Constitution, international labour conventions, and the right to freedom of association.
The statement further alleged that MRS Oil, owned by Dangote’s cousin, Sayyu Dantata, had already begun recruiting drivers under conditions that barred them from joining unions.
Strike Threat Looms
NUPENG warned that its members would stop nationwide fuel loading starting today if the issue is not resolved, stressing that it would not allow workers’ rights to be eroded.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, announced that all parties had been summoned to a conciliation meeting in Abuja to prevent the strike. He appealed to NUPENG to suspend its action and urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to withdraw the “red alert” it had issued in solidarity with oil workers.
Dingyadi warned that shutting down the petroleum sector would cripple the economy and cause severe hardship for Nigerians. “A strike in this sector, even for one day, will result in huge revenue losses and nationwide suffering,” he said.
NUPENG Stands Firm
Despite the intervention, Akporeha insisted that the strike would proceed. “The Federal Government and the NNPC are reaching out, but there is nothing concrete yet. The strike starts tomorrow morning as planned,” he told journalists.
Marketers Back NUPENG
Petroleum marketers have also declared support for the strike. The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) said filling stations across the country would shut down if the strike begins.
Its President, Billy Gillis-Harry, warned that many PETROAN staff belong to NUPENG and would join the strike. He announced a three-day suspension of fuel lifting and dispensing starting Tuesday, describing Dangote’s refinery strategy as “monopolistic” and harmful to competition.
Gillis-Harry cautioned that Dangote’s actions could drive private depot operators, modular refineries, marketers, and truck owners out of business—creating mass unemployment and worsening economic hardship.
Division and Counterclaims
NUPENG dismissed claims by a splinter group, the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), that the strike would not hold. The union alleged that DTCDA was a creation of Dangote Refinery to weaken labour resistance.
It insisted that there was no division within its Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch, and vowed to resist attempts to undermine workers’ rights.
Falana and Labour Back NUPENG
Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), also threw his weight behind NUPENG, calling Dangote’s alleged anti-union policy unconstitutional and illegal. He urged the Federal Government and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to stop monopolistic practices in the petroleum sector.
Similarly, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, condemned Dangote Group’s alleged anti-labour stance as “crude and dangerous,” and pledged full support for NUPENG if the strike continues.
Economic Rights Activists Oppose Strike
However, the Economic Rights Activists (ERA) urged unions to shelve the strike, warning that it would hurt ordinary Nigerians the most. ERA’s Executive Director, Dr. Josiah Inuwa, said:
“Transport fares will skyrocket, food prices will soar, hospitals will lose power, and small businesses will collapse. This is not a fight for justice—it is a direct attack on the Nigerian people.”
The group accused vested interests of using the unions to sabotage the refinery project and Nigeria’s push for energy self-sufficiency.
