Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has threatened to withdraw its services and advised members to seek alternative employment from September 8, over an industrial dispute with the Dangote refinery.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement jointly signed by its president, Williams Akporeha, and general secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the union accused the refinery of barring newly recruited CNG-powered tanker drivers from joining labour unions.
“Recruitment of these drivers is being carried out on the condition that they do not belong to any existing union,” NUPENG alleged, describing the practice as a violation of workers’ rights.
The move could disrupt fuel distribution across the country, just weeks after the Dangote refinery announced it would begin nationwide supply of petrol and diesel on August 15. The refinery had earlier acquired 4,000 CNG-powered tankers to strengthen its logistics operations.
NUPENG has called on the federal government and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to urgently intervene, warning that the standoff could lead to nationwide fuel scarcity.
The union also appealed for public understanding of any disruptions that may follow, urging other labour groups to show solidarity “through peaceful and industrial actions.”
