Fuel crisis looms as NUPENG embarks on strike Monday

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has announced plans to commence a nationwide strike on Monday, September 8, 2025, in protest against what it described as anti-union labour practices linked to the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks by Dangote Refinery.

In a statement signed by its National President, Prince Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG recalled that Dangote initially announced plans to import 4,000 CNG trucks on June 14, 2025, a figure later increased to 10,000, to aid petroleum and diesel distribution across the country. While the move was initially welcomed, it soon raised concerns from stakeholders, including the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), over its potential impact on the industry.

A meeting was held on June 23, 2025, between NUPENG, NARTO, and Dangote’s representative, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, where it was revealed that the trucks would operate under a new arrangement excluding existing trade unions. The union alleged that recruitment of drivers began on August 29, 2025, with applicants reportedly asked to sign agreements barring them from joining oil and gas unions, a move it condemned as a violation of workers’ rights.

NUPENG cited Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, Section 9(6) of the Labour Act, and Nigeria’s ratification of the International Labour Organisation’s Convention 87, all of which guarantee freedom of association. It also urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to enforce provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to prevent anti-competitive practices in the sector.

The union said its decision followed failed attempts to engage government agencies and stakeholders to resolve the issue. “Having exhausted all available avenues of dialogue, we are left with no option but to embark on a nationwide industrial action beginning Monday, September 8, 2025,” it stated.

While assuring Nigerians that the strike was not aimed at creating hardship, NUPENG stressed it was necessary to protect workers’ rights and ensure fairness in the petroleum sector. It appealed for public understanding and called for solidarity from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The union also advised Petroleum Tanker Drivers, a branch of NUPENG, to start exploring alternative employment or skills training if the dispute persists. It called on the Federal Government to intervene urgently and ensure compliance with labour laws.

At the time of filing this report, Dangote Group had yet to respond to the allegations.