The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has urged the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) to refrain from taking actions that could exacerbate the current situation in the downstream oil and gas industry. This call comes amidst rising tensions and the possibility of an industrial action, which could disrupt the national petroleum supply and distribution.
The tensions stem from allegations of anti-labour practices made by NUPENG against Dangote Refinery, prompting the union to announce plans for a nationwide strike starting on September 8, 2025. The refinery has not yet responded to these allegations. PETROAN has also announced plans to suspend the lifting and dispensing of petroleum products for three days, starting on September 9, 2025, in protest against monopolistic practices in the petroleum downstream sector and to safeguard workers’ rights.
The Federal Government has intervened, urging NUPENG to reconsider its decision to go on strike. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to retract its red alert, which had called on affiliate unions to prepare for a nationwide strike in support of the petroleum workers. The minister emphasized the need for all unions involved to postpone any plans to disrupt the petroleum sector, given the ministry’s ongoing intervention in the matter.
DAPPMAN’s appeal for restraint and dialogue underscores the importance of industrial harmony for the stability of the industry, job protection, and government revenue. The association emphasized its commitment to collaborating with the government, labour unions, investors, and other stakeholders to create a mutually beneficial situation that sustains investment, protects workers’ rights, and ensures the uninterrupted supply of petroleum products nationwide.
The potential impact of any strike on ordinary Nigerians, businesses, and government finances cannot be overstated. As such, DAPPMAN’s call for urgent intervention by the Federal Government in addressing the concerns of all aggrieved parties is crucial. The association believes that engagement through constructive dialogue is the most effective means of resolving disagreements and preventing avoidable disruptions in the sector.
As the situation unfolds, the need for a peaceful and lawful resolution that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders in a fair, balanced, and sustainable manner is paramount. The significance of maintaining industrial harmony in the downstream oil and gas industry for the overall benefit of Nigeria and its citizens cannot be emphasized enough.