On September 7, 2025, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) confirmed its decision to launch a nationwide strike starting September 8, 2025, targeting operations at Dangote Petroleum Refinery, despite efforts by the Federal Government to mediate. NUPENG President Williams Akporeha acknowledged the government’s outreach to avert the strike but insisted the industrial action would proceed, pending the outcome of a conciliation meeting scheduled for September 8, 2025, in Abuja. The union, led by Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, cited alleged anti-labour practices by the refinery, owned by billionaire Aliko Dangote, as the reason for the strike, which threatens to disrupt fuel supplies and cause economic strain across Nigeria.
The core issue stems from Dangote Refinery’s plan, announced in June 2025, to import 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution to retailers, bypassing traditional logistics chains. Originally set to begin on August 15, 2025, the plan was delayed due to logistical issues in China, but is expected to proceed once the trucks arrive. NUPENG claims that Dangote insists these truck drivers cannot join any labour union, a stance the union says violates Section 40 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and international labour conventions, such as Article 10 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Tensions escalated when MRS Oil and Gas, owned by Aliko Dangote’s cousin Sayyu Aliu Dantata, began recruiting drivers on August 29, 2025, allegedly requiring them to sign agreements prohibiting union membership. NUPENG, representing petroleum tanker drivers and pump attendants, met with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and Dantata on June 23, 2025, to resolve the issue, but the talks failed. The union accuses Dangote of forming the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), led by Barrister Enoch Kanawa, to undermine NUPENG’s authority as the sole recognised union for tanker drivers.
Also Read: Nigeria’s Economy Stabilised, Attracting Global Interest, Tinubu Declares
In response, the Federal Government, through Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, called for the September 8, 2025, meeting to avert a crisis. Dingyadi warned that even a one-day strike could cost Nigeria billions of naira and cause widespread hardship, given the petroleum sector’s economic importance. He urged NUPENG to reconsider and appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by Joe Ajaero, to withdraw its “red alert” issued on September 6, 2025, signalling potential solidarity strikes.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), led by Billy Gillis-Harry, announced on September 7, 2025, a three-day suspension of fuel sales starting September 9, 2025, in support of NUPENG. Gillis-Harry emphasised that pump attendants, who are NUPENG members, would join the strike, and warned station owners against disciplining absent workers. PETROAN argues that Dangote’s direct distribution model threatens jobs across the sector, including those of depot owners, marketers, and truck operators.
Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, backed NUPENG on September 7, 2025, condemning Dangote’s policies as violations of the Trade Union Act and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018. Falana called for government action to halt what he described as monopolistic and anti-union practices by the Dangote Group.
As Nigeria braces for potential fuel scarcity, the outcome of the September 8, 2025, meeting remains critical. Stakeholders, including the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), led by Oyewole Akanni, have urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene, warning that the strike could jeopardise thousands of jobs and disrupt fuel distribution nationwide. The public awaits a resolution to avoid economic fallout and ensure fair labour practices in this vital industry.
