NUPENG Disowns Fake PTD Elders Group Amid Dangote Refinery Feud

Petroleum Tanker Drivers, an affiliate of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, has disassociated itself from a group calling itself the PTD Elders. The union described the group as “fake impostors” hired to cause disruption within the organization. This development comes amid an ongoing feud between the union and Dangote Refinery over the unionisation of the refinery’s workers.

Comrade Bashir Izalan, a representative of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, said the group claiming to be PTD Elders is not recognised within the union’s hierarchy. He emphasized that the only acknowledged national chairman is Comrade Egbon, whose leadership has been transparent and inclusive. Izalan also highlighted the benefits of union membership, including access to insurance and medical treatment.

Itanola Abiodun, another representative, appealed to security agents to investigate and prosecute the individuals behind the PTD Elders group, stating that they do not belong to the union and are attempting to cause chaos. He explained that legitimate union members have a clear affiliation with a unit and zone, whereas the impostors cannot specify either.

The dispute between the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and Dangote Refinery has been ongoing. The union previously embarked on a strike that was later intervened by the federal government, and Dangote Refinery recently obtained an interim court order to prevent the union from taking industrial action against the company.

Union president Williams Akporeha and general secretary Afolabi Olawale earlier issued a statement warning the public and security agents about the PTD Elders Forum, characterising them as infiltrators with sinister motives. The union maintains that the PTD Elders group is attempting to destabilise the genuine leadership of the Tanker Drivers Branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers.

The situation highlights the tensions between the union and Dangote Refinery, with the union seeking to protect its members’ interests and the refinery aiming to maintain operations without disruption. As the dispute continues, it remains to be seen how the parties will resolve their differences and address the issues at hand.