Amanze Chinonye
Public affairs analyst Onovughe Igwe has called on the Federal Government to sanction the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over its recent threats of a nationwide strike, accusing the powerful oil workers’ union of acting as “agents of economic sabotage” in its dispute with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
In a strongly worded statement widely circulated on social media, Igwe condemned NUPENG for allegedly directing its Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch to halt fuel loading across the country on Monday, September 8 a move he claimed was designed to “destabilize the country’s socio-economic activities for selfish gains.”
Dangote’s Role and the Fuel Supply Debate
Igwe defended the Dangote Refinery’s operations and its recent decision to deploy 10,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks, saying the initiative would improve efficiency in the petroleum supply chain and help reduce costs for ordinary Nigerians. He described the refinery’s efforts as a “good-faith intervention” intended to stabilise the domestic fuel market following the government’s removal of petrol subsidies.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Dangote Refinery Africa’s largest single-train facility has faced pushback from unions and some marketers since it began limited production and domestic distribution earlier this year. Industry insiders say tensions have been heightened by Dangote’s move to market refined products directly, bypassing long-standing middlemen in Nigeria’s fuel supply network.
READ ALSO: Fuel Scarcity Looms as Oil Workers, Dangote Refinery Clash – PTD Counters Strike Call
Allegations of Smuggling and Border Profiteering
In his statement, Igwe alleged that NUPENG members were complicit in the cross-border smuggling of subsidised petrol before the subsidy removal, claiming drivers bought fuel at Nigeria’s former regulated price of ₦165 per litre and sold it for more than ₦1,000 per litre in neighbouring countries.
“NUPENG didn’t use trucks to block the borders to stop this massive economic sabotage because their members were making huge multi-billion-dollar profits from this illegal business,” Igwe charged, accusing the union of prioritising profits over national interest.
He further claimed that NUPENG and its sister union, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), resisted fuel subsidy removal and contributed to the decades-long underperformance of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries, which have consumed billions of naira in maintenance costs despite producing little or no fuel.
Call for Government Action
Igwe urged the Federal Government to take decisive action, including seeking court injunctions to prevent strikes and considering the designation of NUPENG as a “terrorist organisation” if it continues what he described as “unconstitutional and destructive activities.”
“No union should be allowed to hold all Nigerians to ransom to feed their infinite appetites,” he said, warning that persistent disruptions to fuel supply could cripple the economy.
As of press time, NUPENG had not issued an official response to Igwe’s allegations. The union has previously defended its right to industrial action, insisting that its strike threats are aimed at protecting workers’ welfare and ensuring fair practices in the oil and gas sector.
The clash underscores the high-stakes tensions surrounding Nigeria’s downstream oil sector following the removal of fuel subsidies and the entry of private refiners like Dangote. Analysts warn that prolonged disputes between labour unions and new market players could threaten fuel availability, drive up prices, and test the government’s ability to balance market liberalisation with social stability.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
