The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) have dismissed the nationwide strike notice issued by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over claims that the management of Dangote Refinery is preventing newly recruited drivers of its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered trucks from joining labour unions.
NUPENG had on Friday issued a statement announcing a nationwide strike beginning from Monday, September 8, over what it described as anti-labour practices by the management of Dangote Refinery.
NUPENG alleged that Dangote Refinery and MRS Energy (owned by Aliko Dangote’s cousin, Sayyu Dantata) are forcing newly recruited drivers to sign undertakings prohibiting them from joining any existing union. NUPENG claimed that this violates constitutional rights of the drivers and international labor laws, which Nigeria is a signatory to.
However, PTD, in a statement jointly signed by Tajudeen Abubakar (Kaduna Zone), Blessing Dafinone (Warri Zone), Joseph Dagogo-Jack (Port Harcourt Zone), and Kolade Fadahunsi-Ojelabi (Lagos Zone), countered the move by NUPENG, describing it as “insensitive, callous, and unacceptable.”
“This is a clarion call to all Petroleum Tanker Drivers across Nigeria to please ignore the strike notice issued by the NUPENG leadership. The purported notice suggested that the industrial action would take effect on Monday, 8 September 2025. This is obviously insensitive, callous, and unacceptable,” PTD stated.
It wondered why NUPENG failed to explore any option of negotiation or stakeholder dialogue before concluding on embarking on strike.
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It accused NUPENG of being self-centered, noting that labour unions are expected to be socially responsible.
I warned that such an insensitive action is “capable of ruining the socio-economic accomplishments of the country.”
It emphasised that membership of unions is voluntary anywhere in the world.
The union affirmed that Dangote refinery’s plan to import 4,000 CNG-powered trucks for the direct distribution of fuel to retailers is a laudable initiative that would serve the best interests of the masses.
“Negotiations and symbiotic relationships cannot be reached through violence, threats, or arrogance. Nigeria is governed under a constitutional democracy; these union leaders should note that very carefully,” the PTD leaders further stated.
The tanker drivers faulted claims by NUPENG leaders that Dangote Refinery is making attempts to monopolise the industry.
The PTD leaders said NUPENG leaders lack the integrity and moral ground to call out Dangote over truck driver matters, claiming that NUPENG has a protracted internal crisis. It accused NUPENG leaders of failing to prioritise the welfare of drivers even after collecting billions as levies from the comfort of their offices.
It called on law enforcement agencies to arrest NUPENG leaders, stating that it would prevent them from “setting the country on fire at a time Nigeria is experiencing relative peace in the oil and gas sector.
“Enough of NUPENG’s high-handedness; no union is bigger than the extant laws and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. NUPENG has failed its members and should never be allowed to destroy Nigeria and its economic activities,” the statement added.
