The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has issued a warning about individuals impersonating leaders of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch. According to a statement by Williams Akporeha, National President, and Afolabi Olawale, General Secretary, these impersonators are operating under the name “PTD-Elders” and are allegedly paid agents of capitalists seeking to disrupt the union.

NUPENG emphasized that this group is unknown to the union’s constitution and is acting with fraudulent and criminal intent. The union warned the public and media to be cautious of this group, which it described as illegitimate. The only recognized leadership of the PTD branch is under the chairmanship of Augustine Egbon, according to NUPENG’s constitution.

The union called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to arrest and prosecute those involved in the impersonation. NUPENG stated that these individuals are attempting to deceive and manipulate the public, as well as destabilize the union and the oil and gas sector.

This development comes amid tensions between NUPENG and the management of Dangote Refinery. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) recently declared a nationwide strike against Dangote Refinery over the sackings of over 800 workers who joined the union. PENGASSAN directed its members to cut gas and crude supplies to the refinery, which Dangote Refinery described as economic sabotage.

The situation highlights the ongoing labor disputes in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. NUPENG’s warning about the impersonators adds to the complexity of the issue, with the union seeking to protect its members and interests. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how security agencies will respond to NUPENG’s call for action against the alleged impersonators. The union’s efforts to maintain stability and legitimacy in the industry will be closely watched by stakeholders and the public.