Samuel Omang
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Monday insisted that its nationwide strike had begun, despite a last-minute appeal from the Federal Government. NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, confirmed that although the Minister of Labour, Muhammad Dingyadi, had convened a conciliation meeting in Abuja, tanker drivers would not load products until the Dangote refinery reversed its alleged anti-labour stance.
Similarly, Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) announced the suspension of operations from Tuesday, citing safety concerns and solidarity with striking workers. National President Billy Gillis-Harry warned that filling stations nationwide would close and pump attendants—most of whom are NUPENG members—would not report to duty.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) put its affiliates on “red alert” to mobilise in support of the strike. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, also threw his weight behind NUPENG, arguing that Dangote’s refusal to allow drivers to unionise violates the Constitution, the Trade Union Act, and several international conventions ratified by Nigeria.
In contrast, the Economic Rights Activists (ERA) urged unions to suspend the strike, describing it as “reckless and unpatriotic.” Executive Director, Josiah Inuwa, warned that ordinary Nigerians—transport operators, traders, and small businesses—would bear the brunt of the shutdown. He also alleged that vested interests opposed to energy self-sufficiency were exploiting the crisis.
Labour Minister Dingyadi cautioned that the strike could inflict billions of naira in losses and plunge citizens into hardship. He appealed to NUPENG to call off the action, stressing that the petroleum sector is critical to Nigeria’s economy.
The dispute stems from Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s plan to import 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution. NUPENG accused Dangote of anti-union practices, alleging that new drivers were compelled to sign agreements barring union membership. The union described the move as a threat to the livelihoods of its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) members.
NUPENG further claimed that Dangote’s cousin, Sayyu Dantata, through MRS Oil, began recruiting drivers for the trucks and compelled them to renounce union membership. The union dismissed the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association, led by lawyer Enoch Kanawa, as a “creation of Dangote” to weaken NUPENG’s influence.
With both sides standing firm, the petroleum supply chain faces imminent paralysis. A protracted standoff could trigger fuel scarcity, inflation, and wider economic disruption unless the Abuja talks produce a breakthrough.