The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced that the Federal Government has initiated discussions with its members to resolve issues surrounding a proposed nationwide strike. According to PETROAN’s National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, the primary concern is the alleged monopoly by the Dangote Refinery in the petroleum downstream sector.
Gillis-Harry listed the issues leading to the strike declaration, primarily focusing on the Dangote Refinery’s alleged monopolistic practices. However, he noted that stakeholders in the downstream sector are being engaged by the government to resolve the lingering issues. The update comes as PETROAN announced plans to suspend the lifting and dispensing of petroleum products for three days, starting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, if expected consultations fail.
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has also confirmed plans to begin a nationwide strike, accusing the Dangote Refinery management of fostering exploitative labor practices. NUPENG’s President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olufemi, stated that the union had earlier announced the strike, citing alleged anti-labor practices by the refinery.
The Dangote Refinery has been accused of attempting to bypass traditional distribution channels by importing compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks to deliver fuel directly to retailers. Additionally, the Dangote Group has been accused of restraining its employees from associating with unions in the industry. The Federal Government has called on NUPENG to reconsider its decision, with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, appealing to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to retract its red alert.
The government’s intervention aims to preserve stability in the vital part of Nigeria’s economy. PETROAN’s National President emphasized that the association wants the industry to operate efficiently, serving Nigerians, and has advocated for a clearly defined role for all players in the sector. The situation highlights the need for cooperation among stakeholders to ensure that Nigerians are served efficiently, with all retail outlets belonging to a union to prevent inconsistencies in fuel prices and ensure internal control.
The Federal Government’s engagement with PETROAN and other stakeholders is a positive step towards resolving the issues surrounding the proposed strike. As the situation develops, it remains crucial for all parties involved to work together to find a solution that benefits both the industry and the Nigerian people. The government’s efforts to prevent disruptions in the petroleum sector are ongoing, with the goal of maintaining stability in this critical part of the economy.
