The Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP) has openly dissociated itself from the planned strike action by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), emphasizing its commitment to uninterrupted fuel distribution across the country.
The National President of ADITOP, Alhaji Lawan Dan-Zaki, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
His remarks come amid growing tension following NUPENG’s declaration that its members would embark on a nationwide strike, a move that has raised fears of fuel scarcity in major cities.
Last week, NUPENG announced that its members were set to withdraw their services over alleged “anti-labour practices” associated with the deployment of newly imported compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks by Dangote Refinery.
According to the union, the initiative was designed to bypass traditional distribution channels and would negatively impact workers and transporters who rely on petroleum product haulage for livelihood.
The union warned that unless its grievances were addressed, the strike would take effect immediately, potentially triggering nationwide queues and scarcity reminiscent of previous industrial actions in the sector.
Reacting to the development, ADITOP firmly rejected the strike, describing it as “uncalled for” and “detrimental to the stability of Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.”
Dan-Zaki stressed that Dangote’s distribution model should be embraced, not resisted, given its potential to modernize fuel logistics and reduce operational inefficiencies.
“We, members of ADITOP, hereby inform the general public and the Federal Government that we dissociate ourselves from any intended strike or disruption by NUPENG and its cohorts,” Dan-Zaki declared.
He further assured Nigerians that ADITOP members will continue to move petroleum products nationwide “without fear of molestation,” noting that the group is fully aligned with reforms that improve seamless product delivery and stimulate economic development.
The Dangote Refinery, which recently began limited operations, is introducing direct-to-market distribution using CNG-powered trucks.
This system aims to cut logistics costs, improve energy efficiency, and ensure end-users have faster access to fuel supplies.
Industry observers say the initiative could also help Nigeria achieve its energy transition goals while creating thousands of jobs in logistics, maintenance, and operations.
Dan-Zaki explained that beyond reducing costs, Dangote’s scheme would “sanitize the industry, stabilize both supply and distribution, and provide opportunities for millions of unemployed Nigerians to acquire new skills.”
Energy analysts believe the clash between NUPENG and Dangote underscores the tension between traditional labour structures and emerging efficiency-driven business models.
Dr. Michael Oladipo, an oil and gas analyst, told our correspondent that while workers’ concerns about job security are valid, modernization is inevitable.
“CNG-powered trucks and direct distribution will save billions annually in logistics losses.
The government and stakeholders must create a balance by retraining workers and integrating them into the new system rather than resisting progress,” Oladipo said.
The Federal Government is expected to step in to prevent disruptions.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has reportedly invited both NUPENG and ADITOP representatives for dialogue, with officials stressing that fuel scarcity at this time could worsen inflationary pressures and increase hardship for Nigerians.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has consistently emphasized the importance of domestic refining and efficient product distribution to reduce dependence on imports and ease forex pressure.
Dangote Refinery, seen as a game changer for Nigeria’s energy sector, is central to this vision.
For many Nigerians, the mere mention of a possible strike sparks fear of long queues, black market prices, and transportation hikes.
However, ADITOP’s reassurance has provided some relief. On social media, several users commended the group for putting national interest first, while others urged NUPENG to seek dialogue instead of disruption.
The battle over fuel distribution highlights a broader challenge facing Nigeria’s energy sector: balancing labour concerns with modernization and efficiency.
While NUPENG insists its members must be protected from job losses, ADITOP and other stakeholders argue that embracing Dangote’s system will ultimately benefit the economy and consumers.
As talks continue, Nigerians will be hoping that the crisis is resolved without another round of fuel scarcity that could further strain households and businesses already grappling with economic challenges.
