A civil society group, Right for Human Dignity and Justice, has urged the Inspector General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to arrest and prosecute the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, over alleged economic sabotage. The call comes amid rising tensions between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery, as well as MRS Holdings Limited, regarding the companies’ policies against unionization and the deployment of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas, CNG-powered trucks across Nigeria.
NUPENG has announced plans to embark on a nationwide strike and protest on September 8, 2025, in response to the companies’ policies, which the union claims are an attempt to undermine workers’ rights. However, the civil society group has described the planned strike as “mischievous” and “ill-advised,” citing concerns that it could destabilize the country and disrupt economic activities.
The group’s executive director, Iheanyi Kingsley, stated that the planned strike is a deliberate attempt to discredit the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and malign the image of the country. He also cited an intelligence report suggesting that some NUPENG members, in collaboration with non-state actors, are planning to burn down Dangote’s CNG trucks, which could lead to violent protests and instability.
The Nigerian government is being called upon to take proactive measures to prevent a repeat of the violent #EndSARS protests, which occurred in 2020. The civil society group is urging the security agencies to take immediate action to arrest and prosecute the NUPENG leadership, including President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, to prevent the alleged economic sabotage and maintain public order.
The dispute between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery has been escalating, with the union accusing the company of attempting to take Nigeria back to the days of slavery by outsourcing jobs to non-unionized workers. Dangote Refinery has commenced the rollout of its 4,000 CNG trucks, despite opposition from NUPENG. The situation remains volatile, with potential implications for the country’s economic stability and security.