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. The union said the industrial action is in response to what it described as anti-union labour practices tied to the introduction of newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks by Dangote Refinery.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the union’s National President, Prince Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale. NUPENG recalled that on June 14, 2025, Alhaji Aliko Dangote revealed plans to import 4,000 CNG trucks for fuel and diesel distribution, later expanding the figure to 10,000. While the development initially appeared to be a significant investment in the downstream petroleum sector, it soon drew concerns from stakeholders, including the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).
According to NUPENG, a meeting was convened on June 23, 2025, with Sayyu Dantata representing Dangote. At that meeting, the union said it was informed that the trucks would operate under a new system that deliberately excluded existing trade unions. Matters escalated when, on August 29, 2025, recruitment for drivers reportedly began under the condition that applicants must sign undertakings not to join any of the recognized oil and gas unions.
The union condemned this arrangement, describing it as a violation of Nigerian labour laws and international conventions. NUPENG pointed to Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association, and Section 9(6) of the Labour Act, which prohibits punishing workers for joining unions. It also cited Nigeria’s ratification of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 87 on freedom of association, emphasizing its enforceability under Section 254C(2) of the Constitution.
Furthermore, the union called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to apply its authority under Section 32 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to prevent anti-competitive practices in the sector. Despite attempts at dialogue with relevant authorities and the company, NUPENG said no meaningful solution had been achieved.
Declaring the strike inevitable, the union stressed that the action is not aimed at punishing Nigerians but at protecting workers’ rights and ensuring fairness in the petroleum industry. It appealed for public understanding and called for solidarity from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other allied groups.
The statement further revealed that members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch had been advised to consider alternative employment or skills training if the dispute persists. NUPENG urged the Federal Government to intervene promptly and enforce compliance with labour regulations.