Nigeria is bracing for possible nationwide fuel scarcity as a fresh clash between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Refinery threatens petroleum distribution across the country.
Naija News reports that NUPENG has directed its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch to halt loading petroleum products from Dangote depots starting Monday, September 8.
In a statement jointly signed by NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the union accused the refinery of “anti-labour practices” designed to undermine workers’ rights and livelihoods.
Dispute Over Right to Unionize
At the core of the standoff is Dangote Refinery’s alleged policy that drivers recruited for its 10,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks must not join any trade union.
NUPENG condemned the move as “an affront on the constitutional right of association under the 1999 Constitution and a breach of international labour conventions ratified by Nigeria.”
The union revealed that despite several interventions, including from the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Dangote has refused to reverse the decision.
Recruitment Controversy Involving Dangote’s Cousin
NUPENG further alleged that MRS Holdings, owned by Dangote’s cousin, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, began recruiting drivers on August 29 under conditions barring them from union membership.
According to the union, such practices amount to “modern-day enslavement of Nigerian workers.”
“To us, amassing wealth on the basis of depriving workers of a union and voice amounts to creating filthy wealth. NUPENG will not stand idly by while these billionaires seek to destroy the livelihoods of thousands of workers,” the statement read.
From Support to Accusations of Monopolization
NUPENG recalled its support during the refinery’s construction, hoping for job creation and growth in the oil sector. Instead, it now accuses Dangote of trying to “monopolise distribution, crush competition, enslave workers, and raise fuel prices.”
The union urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority (NMDPRA) to enforce Section 32 of the Petroleum Industry Act to curb what it described as “abuse of dominance and restrictive practices.”
Warning of Nationwide Action
If the standoff continues, NUPENG warned that its members nationwide will mobilise for alternative employment, effectively paralyzing petroleum distribution.
The union appealed to Nigerians to endure any inconveniences, framing the move as a fight against “tyranny and indecency” in the oil industry.
The looming strike, if not resolved, could plunge Nigeria into yet another crippling round of fuel scarcity.
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