Nigeria is bracing for possible fuel scarcity beginning next week following threats by tanker drivers under the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to halt fuel loading nationwide.
The union announced on Friday that it would withdraw its services from Monday, September 8, 2025, in protest against what it described as “anti-labour practices” by the management of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The standoff stems from Dangote Refinery’s plan to import 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks to directly distribute petroleum products to retailers across the country.
The refinery had initially scheduled the rollout for August 15, 2025, but the plan was delayed due to logistics challenges in China.
Management confirmed it intends to proceed once a significant number of the trucks are received.
However, NUPENG has accused the refinery of attempting to sideline thousands of its members who currently drive petroleum tankers.
According to the union, Dangote intends to recruit new drivers to operate the trucks while allegedly barring them from joining any trade union.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG condemned the refinery’s policy, describing it as a violation of Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association.
“This position is an affront to Nigerian workers and a breach of international labour conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory,” the statement read.
The union revealed that despite several meetings with Dangote Refinery management and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), its appeals were ignored.
NUPENG further alleged that MRS Holdings, owned by Dangote’s cousin, Sayyu Dantata, had already begun recruiting drivers for the trucks, compelling them to sign undertakings not to join any union.
NUPENG accused Dangote of plotting to monopolise petroleum distribution, suppress competition, and weaken organised labour.
“Dangote Refinery was built with the hope of creating jobs, boosting local capacity, and benefiting Nigerians.
But instead of being a partner in progress, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has chosen to enslave workers, raise fuel prices, and sabotage the economy,” NUPENG said.
The union warned that its members would down tools and stop loading petroleum products nationwide unless the Federal Government intervenes.
It also called on other labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), to join in solidarity actions.
The dispute comes at a delicate time for Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.
The $20 billion Dangote Refinery, commissioned in May 2023, has a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and is seen as a game changer for Nigeria’s energy security.
Yet, its latest distribution strategy has sparked fears of widespread job losses and potential disruption of petroleum supply.
Analysts warn that if NUPENG follows through with its threat, Nigeria could face another round of fuel scarcity, with ripple effects on transportation costs, food prices, and overall economic stability.
NUPENG urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to enforce provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, particularly Section 32, which empowers the regulator to promote competition and prevent abuse of dominant market positions.
“The government cannot stand aside while a single player undermines the entire sector.
This is not just about NUPENG members—it is about protecting jobs, upholding labour rights, and ensuring Nigerians are not at the mercy of monopolistic policies,” the union said.
As of press time, Dangote Refinery’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, had not responded to requests for comments. Industry stakeholders are closely watching the situation, with many warning that failure to resolve the crisis swiftly could trigger a nationwide fuel supply breakdown.
While Dangote’s investment in CNG trucks is being hailed as an environmentally friendly step toward reducing dependence on diesel-powered tankers, the labour dimension of the policy has heightened tensions.
Experts argue that the refinery should work with unions rather than against them to ensure a smoother transition and avoid industrial unrest.
For now, Nigerians face the looming threat of empty filling stations and longer queues unless a compromise is reached between NUPENG, Dangote Refinery, and regulatory authorities
