Nigeria is bracing for possible fuel scarcity as the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has announced a nationwide strike to begin Monday, September 8, 2025. The union said the action was prompted by alleged anti-labour practices linked to the deployment of thousands of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks recently imported by Dangote Refinery. In a statement signed by NUPENG President Prince Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, the union warned that the development threatens both workers’ rights and the stability of the petroleum downstream sector.
According to the union, Dangote Refinery began recruitment for the new trucks on August 29 under conditions barring applicants from joining existing oil and gas trade unions. NUPENG described this as a breach of Nigeria’s Constitution, labour laws, and international conventions. Citing Section 40 of the Constitution and Section 9(6) of the Labour Act, the union stressed that freedom of association is a fundamental right, also protected under International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 87, which Nigeria has ratified. It added that such restrictions undermine fair competition in the sector and called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to enforce compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act.
The dispute traces back to June when Dangote announced plans to import 4,000 CNG trucks—later expanded to 10,000—for fuel and diesel distribution. While initially hailed as an investment in energy transition, stakeholders, including the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), raised concerns over the impact on existing operators. A subsequent meeting with Dangote’s representatives in June reportedly confirmed the trucks would operate under an arrangement excluding NUPENG and NARTO members, sparking fresh tensions.
NUPENG said it had exhausted dialogue with government agencies and the companies involved, leaving a strike as the only option. The Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of the union has also been instructed to prepare for alternative employment or skills training if the matter remains unresolved. Despite acknowledging that the industrial action could disrupt fuel supplies, the union insisted the move was necessary to defend workers’ rights and secure a fair operating environment.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has already declared support for NUPENG, with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) also expected to align. NUPENG has appealed to Nigerians for understanding and urged the federal government to urgently intervene to prevent widespread disruption. As of the time of reporting, Dangote Group had not issued an official response to the union’s allegations.
