Fuel Scarcity Looms as NUPENG Announces Nationwide Strike Over Face-Off with Dangote

The announcement was contained in a statement signed by NUPENG’s National President, Prince Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale. The union recalled that Dangote had in June unveiled plans to import 4,000 CNG trucks for petroleum and diesel distribution, later increasing the figure to 10,000. While the move was initially welcomed as an investment in the downstream sector, NUPENG and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) raised concerns about its implications. According to the statement, a meeting was held with Dangote’s representative, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, on June 23, where the unions were informed that the trucks would operate under a new arrangement outside the existing trade union structure. NUPENG alleged that recruitment for the scheme began on August 29, with applicants reportedly asked to sign undertakings not to join recognised oil and gas unions, describing the move as a violation of labour rights. Citing Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, Section 9(6) of the Labour Act, and Nigeria’s ratification of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 87, the union argued that workers cannot be denied the right to freedom of association. It also urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to use its powers under the Petroleum Industry Act to prevent restrictive practices in the sector. NUPENG said its decision to embark on strike followed failed attempts to resolve the matter through dialogue with both government agencies and the companies involved. The union stressed that the action was not aimed at creating hardship but at protecting workers’ rights and ensuring fairness in the petroleum industry. It appealed to Nigerians for understanding and called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to show solidarity. Members of its Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch have also been advised to begin exploring alternative employment or skills training if the dispute remains unresolved. The union called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and enforce compliance with labour laws. As of the time of filing this report, Dangote Group had yet to respond to the allegations.