Nationwide Fuel Strike Threatens as NUPENG Targets Dangote’s CNG Trucks

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has announced plans for a nationwide strike starting Monday, September 8, 2025, citing labour concerns linked to Dangote Refinery’s deployment of newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks.

The union, through a statement signed by its National President, Prince Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, expressed alarm that the operation of the trucks could undermine existing trade unions in the oil and gas sector.

NUPENG recalled that on June 14, 2025, Dangote announced plans to bring in 4,000 CNG trucks—later increased to 10,000—for nationwide distribution of petroleum products. While initially welcomed as a boost to the downstream sector, the union raised concerns over the potential exclusion of current union members.

A meeting was held with Dangote representatives on June 23, 2025, during which the union was informed that drivers for the trucks would be recruited under conditions preventing them from joining existing unions. NUPENG described this as a violation of labour rights and a breach of both Nigerian law and international conventions.

The union cited Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, guaranteeing freedom of association, as well as Section 9(6) of the Labour Act and International Labour Organisation Convention No. 87, which Nigeria has ratified. It also called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to enforce provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act to promote fair competition.

Having exhausted dialogue with both Dangote and relevant government agencies, NUPENG said it had no option but to commence industrial action. “The strike is aimed at safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring a fair downstream petroleum industry. It is not intended to create hardship for the public,” the statement read.

The union urged Nigerians to understand the reasons behind the strike and called on other labour organizations, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), to show solidarity. Members of NUPENG’s Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch were advised to prepare for the impact of the strike by exploring alternative employment or skills training.

The union also appealed to the Federal Government to intervene and ensure compliance with labour laws. At the time of filing this report, Dangote Group had not responded to the issues raised by NUPENG.