Fuel scarcity looms as tanker drivers begin strike today over dispute with Dangote

There might likely be fuel scarcity in Nigeria from today as the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) set to embark on strike in protest against the decision by the Dangote Refinery not to allow drivers of its newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks join any trade union.

The tanker drivers declared a strike over Dangote Refinery’s plan to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution, bypassing existing tanker drivers. The initiative, according to NUPENG, threatens thousands of jobs and violates the right of workers to unionize.

In a statement signed by its President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG accused Dangote of anti-labour practices.

The union alleged that the refinery barred new drivers from joining any union, describing it as a violation of Nigeria’s constitution and international labour conventions.

It argued that while it supported Dangote Refinery during its construction, it did not expect the company to “monopolise distribution, crush competition, enslave the sector, and raise prices.”

NUPENG vowed to resist moves that could undermine members’ livelihoods.

NLC supports planned strike if…

The  NLC  and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) had on Saturday urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the face-off.

In a statement by its President, Joe Ajaero,  the NLC said the President needed to   “immediately call Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Sayyu Dantata to order” and impress on them to respect national and international labour laws.

The Congress warned that the government should not look the other way while a few individuals privatise the nation’s energy future and enslave its workforce.

It said: “The NLC unequivocally condemn the anti-union, anti-worker, and monopolistic practices of the Dangote Group and its affiliates. Nigerian workers are not slaves and cannot be serially abused without consequences.

“If Dangote continues on this reckless anti-union path, we will move beyond words to action.”

Shelve your planned strike, FG begs NUPENG

Meanwhile, the Federal Government, on Sunday, appealed to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to reconsider their stance on the declared commencement of a nationwide industrial action.

It also pleaded with the Nigeria Labour Congress to withdraw the red alert it issued to its affiliate unions to be on standby for a nationwide strike in solidarity with the petroleum workers.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, has already waded into the matter.

Dingyadi said since his Ministry has intervened in the matter, the unions should shelve their plan of shutting down the petroleum industry, with a view to maintaining peace in this highly critical sector of the Nigerian economy.

“I have invited all the parties for a conciliation meeting tomorrow, Monday, September 8, 2025. Since I have intervened, I plead with NUPENG to rescind their decision to shut down the petroleum sector from tomorrow (today).

“I also appeal to the NLC to withdraw the red alert it issued to its affiliate unions to be on standby for a nationwide strike in solidarity with NUPENG.

ATTENTION: Follow 9jaReporters on Instagram for a chance to win ₦100,000 in our Top Fans Challenge!

JOIN NOW to participate and stand a chance to win exclusive prize ons, free airtime, and exciting gifts!

FOLLOW US TODAY! DON’T MISS OUT!

“I plead with the unions to give peace a chance. I assure them that this matter will be resolved amicably to the satisfaction of all the parties involved,” the minister said in a statement signed by the spokesperson of the ministry, Mrs Patience Onuobia.

Dingyadi also assured Nigerians that the dispute will be resolved harmoniously to ensure that no disruption occurs in the petroleum sector, which is vital to the Nigerian economy.

However, sources close to the union yesterday said the strike would not commence following the planned meeting with the federal government.

“The outcome of the meeting would determine whether or not the strike would go ahead as planned. In reverence to the intervention of the government, we are putting the strike on hold to listen to the government with the hope that positive developments would come out of the meeting,” he said.