The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has announced a nationwide strike beginning Monday, September 8, 2025.
The decision comes after a heated dispute over the deployment of newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks by Dangote Refinery.
According to NUPENG, the arrangement surrounding the trucks threatens workers’ rights and undermines established unions in the oil and gas sector.
The strike, described as a last resort, is expected to disrupt petroleum distribution across the country.
In a statement signed by NUPENG’s National President, Prince Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the union expressed deep concern over what it called anti-union labour practices.
“The recruitment being carried out on the condition of not joining existing unions is a matter of serious concern to us,” the statement read.
“This violates Nigeria’s Constitution, labour laws, and international conventions on freedom of association.”
On June 14, 2025, Aliko Dangote announced plans to import 4,000 CNG trucks, later raised to 10,000, for nationwide fuel distribution.
While the move was initially welcomed as a boost to cleaner energy use, it raised eyebrows within labour circles.
By June 23, 2025, a meeting between NUPENG, the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and Dangote’s representative, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, reportedly revealed that the trucks would operate under a new structure excluding existing unions.
Matters escalated further when recruitment began on August 29, 2025.
Applicants were allegedly asked to sign agreements preventing them from joining unions within the oil and gas industry.
NUPENG cited multiple legal provisions to back its position, including Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association, and Section 9(6) of the Labour Act, which prohibits discrimination against workers based on union membership.
Moreover, the union reminded stakeholders that Nigeria has ratified the International Labour Organization’s Convention No. 87, making freedom of association legally binding.
The union has urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to act swiftly.
Citing Section 32 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), NUPENG argued that the authority has the power to prevent restrictive practices within the petroleum sector.
However, after several failed meetings with government agencies, NUPENG said it had no option left but to strike.
“The strike is not to create hardship but to protect workers’ rights and ensure a fair and competitive downstream petroleum industry,” the statement added.
NUPENG has appealed for public understanding while calling on the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for solidarity.
Furthermore, members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch have been advised to consider alternative employment or skills training if the crisis continues.
