The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has declared a nationwide strike from Monday, September 8, 2025, over alleged anti-labour practices linked to the operations of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks recently imported by Dangote Refinery.
The announcement was made in a statement jointly signed by the Union’s National President, Prince Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale.
The Reason For the Dispute
According to NUPENG, the crisis began after Dangote Refinery announced plans in June to deploy 10,000 CNG-powered trucks for the distribution of petroleum and diesel products nationwide.
The Union said while the initiative was initially welcomed as a major investment in the downstream sector, concerns soon emerged over its impact on existing players, including members of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).
NUPENG disclosed that during a meeting with Dangote’s representative, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, on June 23, it was informed that the new trucks would operate under an arrangement that excluded existing trade unions.
Alleged Anti-Union Practices
The Union further alleged that recruitment of drivers for the trucks commenced on August 29, with applicants reportedly asked to sign undertakings not to join any oil and gas unions.
NUPENG described the move as a violation of workers’ rights, citing Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, Section 9(6) of the Labour Act, and international conventions ratified by Nigeria guaranteeing freedom of association.
Call for Government Intervention
The Union appealed to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to use its statutory powers under the Petroleum Industry Act to prevent restrictive labour practices.
“Having exhausted all avenues of dialogue without results, we are left with no choice but to commence an industrial action,” the statement read.
Appeal for Understanding
NUPENG assured that the strike was not aimed at causing hardship but at safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring fair competition in the petroleum sector. It also called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other allied bodies for solidarity.
The Union added that members of its Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch had been advised to prepare for alternative livelihood options should the dispute remain unresolved.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has been urged to urgently intervene and enforce compliance with labour laws. A response from the Dangote Group was still being awaited at the time of filing this report
