Nigeria may be heading into another round of fuel scarcity as the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Sunday reiterated its decision to embark on strike starting today, Monday, September 8, 2025, in protest against what it described as anti-labour practices by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The union’s position comes despite last-minute interventions by the Federal Government aimed at persuading the workers to shelve the planned industrial action.
NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, confirmed that the government had reached out to the union, appealing for dialogue to prevent disruptions in the petroleum distribution chain. However, he maintained that the strike would commence as scheduled until concrete resolutions are reached in a meeting between NUPENG, the Federal Government, and other critical stakeholders expected to hold later today.
The dispute stems from Dangote Refinery’s controversial plan to import about 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks for direct distribution of petroleum products to filling stations across the country. NUPENG insists that such a move sidelines indigenous transporters, undermines existing labour structures, and threatens the jobs of thousands of Nigerian workers who have long been integral to the fuel distribution system.
The union had first announced the strike action on Friday, warning that its members would fully withdraw services from September 8 if the refinery and government authorities failed to address their grievances. The development has heightened fears of widespread fuel shortages nationwide, with filling stations already experiencing increased demand over the weekend as motorists rushed to stock up against possible scarcity.
Industry insiders disclosed that although the Dangote Refinery initially scheduled the commencement of the new distribution model for August 15, 2025, the plan was delayed due to logistics challenges in China where the trucks are being procured. The refinery has since assured that the scheme would commence once a substantial number of the vehicles arrive in Nigeria. However, the assurance has done little to calm tensions within the union ranks.
Stakeholders have expressed concerns that a prolonged industrial action could paralyse the downstream sector, disrupt fuel supply chains, and trigger a fresh wave of economic hardship for Nigerians already grappling with high inflation and rising energy costs. Civil society groups have also urged the Federal Government to act decisively in brokering peace between NUPENG and the Dangote Group to avert a nationwide crisis.
As Nigerians brace for the outcome of today’s crucial meeting, all eyes are on the Federal Government’s negotiating team and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to see if concessions will be made to satisfy the union’s demands. Failure to reach a compromise could usher in another phase of fuel scarcity, long queues, and economic strain for millions across the country.
