Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s fuel supply chain faces fresh uncertainty as the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) threatened an indefinite strike from September 8 over a growing rift with the management of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
NUPENG alleges that the refinery is engaging in anti-labour practices by importing 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks while preventing drivers from unionising. The union argues that the move violates the Nigerian constitution and international labour standards, particularly ILO Convention No. 87 on freedom of association. Leaders say repeated attempts to resolve the issue with refinery executives, including Aliko Dangote and Sayyu Dantata, were ignored.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelUnion officials warn that failure to act could destabilise Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, threatening the jobs of thousands of drivers and worsening inequality in the industry. Analysts note that a strike would immediately disrupt fuel loading and distribution, triggering scarcity and price hikes at a time when Nigerians are already struggling with record inflation.
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But in a sharp counter, the PTD has disowned NUPENG’s directive and urged drivers nationwide to ignore the strike call. The group accused NUPENG leaders of incompetence, corruption, and selfish economic sabotage, while defending the Dangote Refinery’s CNG truck plan as a project in Nigeria’s best interest. “Cleaner, cheaper alternatives will serve Nigerians better. We will not be part of a political fight disguised as labour struggle,” PTD declared.
The tanker drivers went further, calling on the Federal Government, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector-General of Police to arrest NUPENG leaders to safeguard peace in the oil and gas sector.
They also described the union’s monopoly claims as hypocritical, arguing that NUPENG itself has long exploited dominance in the distribution chain.
Despite the escalating row, Dangote Group has yet to make any public statement. The silence from Africa’s largest refinery operator has deepened speculation about the refinery’s next steps and whether the deadlock could spiral into a nationwide disruption.
The Federal Government, through its regulators, now faces mounting pressure to intervene. With the Dangote Refinery expected to anchor Nigeria’s energy future, how the crisis is resolved will determine not only the stability of the country’s fuel supply but also whether youth jobs, energy security, and cleaner transport innovations can be safeguarded in the years ahead.
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.
