The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has announced plans to embark on a strike action starting Monday, September 8, 2025. According to a statement released by the union, the decision to strike is in response to what NUPENG describes as attempts by Dangote Refinery and its management to introduce “slavish” working conditions into Nigeria’s workforce.
The statement, signed by NUPENG President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olufemi, claims that Dangote Refinery’s management is trying to undermine the rights of workers by forcing them to join a company-formed association, the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), rather than allowing them to join NUPENG, the statutorily recognized union for petroleum tanker drivers.
NUPENG had previously called on its members to down tools over anti-labour practices by Dangote Refinery. However, some stakeholders, including the Petrol Tanker Drivers and the DTCDA, have expressed opposition to the planned strike. NUPENG has dismissed DTCDA as an unauthorized union, stating that it was formed by Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata and Alhaji Aliko Dangote to recruit drivers for their 10,000 CNG trucks.
The union argues that any worker who is not allowed to exercise their right to association is essentially a slave. NUPENG is urging the public not to support or encourage what it sees as slavish working conditions. The strike action is expected to commence on Monday, with NUPENG insisting that it will not be swayed by opposition from Dangote-sponsored groups.
The dispute between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery highlights ongoing tensions between labor unions and private companies in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The strike action is likely to have significant implications for the country’s petroleum industry, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days. As the strike commences, attention will be focused on the negotiations between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery, and the potential impact on Nigeria’s economy.
