NIGERIA’s fragile petroleum distribution network faces fresh turbulence as the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) threatens to embark on a nationwide strike on Monday, September 8, in protest against alleged anti-labour practices at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
News Point Nigeria reports that the crisis, which has sparked appeals from major fuel marketers and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for presidential intervention, revolves around Dangote’s plan to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution to retailers, a move unions say could erode thousands of tanker drivers’ jobs and undermine existing operators.
NUPENG, in a statement signed by its President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, accused the refinery of barring new drivers from joining unions, describing the policy as an assault on freedom of association enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution and international conventions.
The union recalled holding multiple meetings with Dangote Group and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) without success. Matters escalated when MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, owned by Dangote’s cousin Sayyu Dantata, allegedly began recruiting drivers for the new trucks and compelling them to sign undertakings not to belong to any oil and gas union.
“We cannot stand by while jobs are being eroded. If nothing changes, we will stop fuel loading nationwide from Monday,” NUPENG warned.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have joined calls for urgent intervention.
PETROAN’s President, Billy Gillis-Harry, described the strike as a “looming danger” that could plunge the nation into chaos.
“We are calling on President Tinubu, the NMDPRA, the DSS, and security agencies to mediate before 12 noon on Monday. No single company should dominate the value chain or strip unions of their rights,” he said.
IPMAN’s National President, Abubakar Maigandi, confirmed efforts to broker peace.
“We are still appealing to both parties. With work resuming Monday, we will continue talks with the tanker drivers to avert the strike,” he noted.
But IPMAN’s Western Zone Chairman, Oyewole Akanni, warned that Dangote Refinery’s direct distribution plan violated the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which bars refiners from retailing products.
“This move threatens over 4,000 trucks and thousands of jobs. It negates the PIA and reeks of monopoly. We will resist it,” he vowed.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) weighed in on Saturday, describing the refinery’s policies as “crude and dangerous.”
NLC President Joe Ajaero said NUPENG’s petition reflected a wider pattern across Dangote Group businesses from cement to sugar and flour of poor wages, unsafe conditions, and suppression of union rights.
“This is not just an attack on petroleum workers but a declaration of war against trade unionism itself. If unchecked, it will set a dangerous precedent,” the NLC warned.
The congress also accused Dangote of favouring foreign nationals over Nigerians, recalling past recruitment of Indian welders and fitters while local workers remained unemployed. It placed all unions on red alert and pledged solidarity with NUPENG.
In a twist, the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) distanced itself from the strike threat.
Its National President, Enoch Kanawa, said drivers should have the freedom to choose associations.
“We fully support deregulation and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. Our members will play their role in nationwide distribution,” he stated.
As of Sunday, efforts to reach Dangote Refinery for comment proved abortive.
With unions mobilising, marketers pleading, and labour warning of a showdown, the nation faces the spectre of fuel shortages, queues, and economic disruption if Monday’s deadline passes without resolution.