By Ameh Gabriel
Nigeria may face fuel scarcity from today (Monday) as the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) begins an industrial action over Dangote Refinery’s new fuel distribution plan.
The strike follows Dangote’s decision to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks for direct product delivery, bypassing existing tanker drivers. NUPENG argues that the move threatens thousands of jobs and violates workers’ rights to unionize.
In a statement signed by its President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the union accused Dangote Refinery of anti-labour practices, including barring new drivers from joining unions. It vowed to resist any attempt to “monopolise distribution, crush competition, and enslave workers.”
The planned strike has deepened divisions within the trucking industry. While some zonal leaders of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) distanced themselves from NUPENG’s action, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) declared a three-day suspension of operations from Tuesday in solidarity with the union.
PETROAN President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, warned against monopoly in the oil sector, urging President Bola Tinubu and regulators to urgently intervene.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, confirmed that all parties have been invited to a conciliation meeting in Abuja today. He appealed to NUPENG and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend their planned strike, assuring that government would resolve the matter amicably.
Sources within NUPENG hinted on Sunday that the strike could be temporarily suspended pending the outcome of the talks.
Industry experts warn that unless a quick resolution is reached, the standoff could trigger nationwide scarcity, worsen fuel queues, and disrupt economic activities.
