The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has warned of an imminent fuel scarcity across Nigeria as the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch is set to stop loading petroleum products starting Monday, September 8, 2025. This industrial action is in response to a prolonged dispute with the management of Dangote Refinery regarding alleged anti-labour practices.
NUPENG accuses Dangote Refinery of a policy barring newly recruited drivers for the refinery’s fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks from joining any trade union. The union describes this stance as a violation of the constitutional right to freedom of association and protection of trade union rights as guaranteed under Nigeria’s laws and international labour conventions ratified by Nigeria.
In a joint statement by NUPENG President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, the union condemned Dangote’s management for what it calls an affront to worker rights and a threat to the survival of its members. NUPENG alleges that the refinery’s management aims to monopolize petroleum distribution, exclude competition, and drive up prices, which would hurt ordinary Nigerians.
The union calls on the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to intervene and enforce compliance with labour laws. NUPENG also appeals to the federal government and the public to support their struggle against the “tyrannical” moves by billionaire businessmen.
If the dispute is not resolved promptly, the fuel supply chain disruption is expected to trigger widespread shortages, affecting millions of Nigerians.