The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has declared that its members will embark on a nationwide strike starting Monday, September 8, 2025, over what it described as anti-union labour practices tied to the deployment of newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks by Dangote Refinery.
In a statement jointly signed by National President Prince Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, the union said the development violates workers’ rights and undermines existing trade unions.
NUPENG recalled that Aliko Dangote initially announced plans on June 14, 2025, to import 4,000 CNG trucks for fuel distribution—later increased to 10,000. While the investment was welcomed as a boost to the downstream sector, concerns quickly arose among stakeholders, including the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).
A meeting was held on June 23, 2025, with Sayyu Dantata representing Dangote. At that meeting, NUPENG said it was informed that the trucks would operate under a new arrangement excluding existing trade unions.
The union alleged that recruitment of drivers began on August 29, 2025, with applicants reportedly required to sign undertakings not to join any existing oil and gas unions. It condemned the move as a violation of Nigeria’s Constitution, the Labour Act, and international conventions guaranteeing freedom of association.
Quoting Section 40 of the Constitution, Section 9(6) of the Labour Act, and ILO Convention No. 87, NUPENG stressed that no worker should be penalised for joining or refusing to join a union. It also urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to use its powers under the Petroleum Industry Act to prevent restrictive practices.
“Having exhausted all available avenues of dialogue, we are left with no option but to embark on a nationwide industrial action beginning Monday, September 8, 2025,” the union declared.
NUPENG appealed to Nigerians for understanding, assuring that the strike was not intended to create hardship but to protect workers’ rights. It also called for solidarity from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other labour bodies.
Members of its Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch have been advised to seek alternative jobs or training if the dispute remains unresolved.
The union urged the Federal Government to intervene, while a response from the Dangote Group was still being awaited at the time of this report.
