NUPENG threatens strike over Dangote refinery’s plan to use 4,000 CNG trucks, warning fuel loading could halt nationwide from September 8

NUPENG threatens strike over Dangote refinery, raising fears of nationwide fuel scarcity as the Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch vows to stop fuel loading from September 8.

Also read: PTD of NUPENG is not embarking on any form of protests – chairman

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers accused the refinery’s management of anti-labour practices tied to its plan to import 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution.

In a statement signed by President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG alleged that founder Aliko Dangote and his cousin, Sayyu Ali Dantata, were recruiting new drivers under strict conditions that barred them from joining any union.

The union described this as a violation of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and international labour conventions, lamenting that repeated appeals to Dangote and regulatory agencies had gone unanswered.

“To our utmost shock, drivers being recruited for the CNG trucks are being forced to sign an undertaking not to belong to any existing union,” the union said, calling the practice “tyranny and indecency.”

NUPENG warned that replacing thousands of petroleum tanker drivers would destroy livelihoods and amount to what it described as “economic sabotage.” The union, which backed the refinery during its commissioning, said it now felt betrayed.

“If this continues, from Monday, September 8, our members will stop fuel loading and seek alternative employment,” the statement added, while calling on the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and global labour bodies to prepare for solidarity actions.

The Dangote refinery, commissioned in May 2023 with a \$20bn investment and 650,000-barrels-per-day capacity, has been seen as a game changer for Nigeria’s energy sector.

However, its new distribution model has triggered fresh tensions over job security in the oil and gas supply chain.

Dangote spokesperson Anthony Chiejina has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Also read: NUPENG suspends 12 members indefinitely over breach of peace

If the standoff persists, experts warn that a strike by NUPENG’s tanker drivers could disrupt nationwide fuel supply, risking scarcity at a time when Nigeria is still struggling to stabilize its downstream oil sector.