PETROAN Joins NUPENG, Issues Strike Notice Over Dangote CNG Trucks

In a statement issued on Sunday, PETROAN’s National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, said the action was in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and aimed at advocating for fair competition in the oil and gas sector, as against monopolistic practices.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) earlier reported that NUPENG had scheduled a nationwide strike to begin Monday, September 8, protesting alleged anti-union practices linked to Dangote Refinery’s deployment of newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks for direct distribution of petroleum products.

According to Dangote, the new distribution model is designed to cut logistics costs, enhance energy efficiency, promote sustainability, and support economic development.

Gillis-Harry, however, stressed that while NUPENG’s action would be lawful and peaceful, the strike underscores the growing concern over potential monopoly in the sector. He urged President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), and the leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to intervene urgently.

He also appealed to the Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Director-General of the DSS, and the Inspector General of Police to wade into the matter to prevent disruptions that could trigger hardship for citizens.

Highlighting PETROAN’s stance, Gillis-Harry warned that Dangote’s aggressive business strategy could edge out private depot owners, modular refinery operators, marketers, retail owners, truck operators, and drivers, creating widespread unemployment with grave economic consequences.

He further cautioned Nigerians to be wary of what he described as “Father Christmas” promises, likening the current trend to developments in the cement industry that led to market dominance and long-term challenges.

Following an emergency meeting, PETROAN resolved that its members would not sanction or dismiss any pump attendant many of whom are also NUPENG members who observes the strike. A 120-man compliance team has been set up to monitor retail outlets and protect members’ facilities during the action.

“PETROAN remains committed to ensuring healthy competition in the petroleum sector, protecting workers’ rights, and safeguarding the interests of citizens through stable pricing and sustainable operations,” Gillis-Harry added.