Fuel Shortage Alert: NUPENG Orders Tanker Drivers To Boycott Dangote Depots

Nigeria could face another round of fuel scarcity as tensions rise between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Dangote Refinery, threatening to disrupt petroleum product distribution nationwide.

NUPENG has instructed its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch to halt all loading of petroleum products from Dangote depots starting Monday, September 8. The directive, signed by NUPENG President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, accused Dangote Refinery of engaging in anti-labour practices that undermine the livelihoods of its members.

Dispute Over Union Membership
The conflict stems from Dangote Refinery’s reported refusal to allow drivers recruited for its 10,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks to join any trade union. NUPENG condemned this as a violation of the constitutional right of association under the 1999 Constitution and a breach of international labour laws to which Nigeria is a signatory.

The union stated that numerous appeals, including interventions with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), to persuade Dangote to reverse the policy, were ignored.

Alleged Recruitment by Dangote’s Cousin
NUPENG further alleged that on August 29, MRS Holdings, owned by Dangote’s cousin, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, began recruiting drivers under the condition that they would not join any union.

The union criticized the move, describing it as modern-day enslavement of Nigerian workers. “To amass wealth by denying workers their union rights is to create filthy wealth. NUPENG will not stand by while billionaires seek to destroy the livelihoods of thousands of workers, including tanker drivers,” it said.

Recalling their support for the refinery during its construction, NUPENG noted that they had expected job creation, sector growth, and improved welfare. Instead, the union accused Dangote of attempting to monopolize distribution, crush competition, exploit the sector, and drive up prices.

Call for Regulatory Intervention
NUPENG urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to act under Section 32 of the Petroleum Industry Act to prevent abuse of dominance and restrictive business practices. The union emphasized that the right to unionize is protected under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution and ILO Convention No. 87, ratified by Nigeria in 1960.

Warning of Nationwide Strike
The union warned that if the issue is not resolved, it will mobilize its members across the country. “Since Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his cousin have decided to replace all Petroleum Tanker Drivers in Nigeria, the PTD Branch of NUPENG will, starting Monday, 8th September 2025, begin seeking alternative employment and livelihoods,” the statement read.

NUPENG appealed to Nigerians to bear with any disruptions that may arise from the looming strike, framing its actions as a fight against “tyranny and indecency.”