The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has raised the alarm over an impending nationwide fuel scarcity, as it directs tanker drivers to suspend loading of petroleum products from Monday, September 8, 2025.
The warning came in a statement issued on Friday, signed by the union’s President, Comrade Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale.
According to the union, the decision to halt operations stems from what it described as anti-labour practices allegedly carried out by the management of the Dangote Refinery, particularly against members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of NUPENG.
Dispute Over Right to Unionise
The main issue at the heart of the conflict is the Dangote Group’s reported refusal to allow drivers recruited to operate its fleet of 10,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks to join any labour union.
NUPENG expressed strong disapproval of this policy, calling it a direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution and international labour treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
“This policy is a clear affront on the right of association, which is fully guaranteed under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the union leaders said in the statement.
“It is also a breach of ILO Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association, which Nigeria ratified in 1960.”
The union added that no employer, no matter how powerful or wealthy, has the legal authority to deny workers the right to organise or join a union of their choice.
NUPENG has also called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to act swiftly under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Citing Section 32(u) and (aa) of the Act, the union urged the Authority to investigate and curb any abuse of dominant market position or restrictive business practices, which it believes are being demonstrated by the Dangote Refinery.
“The Authority must enforce the laws and ensure no company, no matter how big, is allowed to undermine the rights of workers or distort competition in the industry,” NUPENG said.
The union further appealed to the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to intervene before the situation worsens, warning that it is fully prepared to mobilise its nationwide structure if its concerns are not urgently addressed.
“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians and institutions to tell these billionaire businessmen to obey the laws of the land,” the statement added.
“If this oppressive, anti-union attitude continues, we will not hesitate to take full lawful action to defend our members.”
With the union’s directive set to take effect from Monday, the suspension of loading activities by tanker drivers could lead to disruption in fuel distribution across the country.
Industry experts warn that any interruption in the movement of petroleum products may result in queues at filling stations, panic buying, and a potential increase in fuel prices, especially in areas far from depots.
Nigeria, which relies heavily on road distribution of fuel due to the poor state of its pipelines, is particularly vulnerable to such actions.
NUPENG’s warning follows recent tensions in the oil and gas sector, including issues of subsidy removal, deregulation challenges, and rising transport costs. The current face-off adds another layer of complexity to an already fragile energy supply chain.
As of the time of filing this report, the Dangote Group has not officially responded to the allegations made by NUPENG.
