NUPENG Shuts Depots as FG, Dangote Talks Drag
- Nigeria News
- 09.09.2025
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- 6
NUPENG Shuts Depots as FG, Dangote Talks Drag
as the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG)
enforced a nationwide shutdown of fuel depots and some filling stations.
This action follows unresolved disputes with the
Dangote Petroleum Refinery over alleged attempts to suppress workers’ unionisation.Despite mediation efforts by the Federal Government,
represented by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity,
talks dragged late into the night without resolution.
The development raises fears of impending fuel scarcity,
higher transport costs, and wider economic disruption.
on Monday was attended by key stakeholders, including NUPENG executives,
representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),
the Trade Union Congress (TUC), officials of the
Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA),
Dangote Group, and MRS Petroleum.The meeting, co-chaired by Labour Minister Muhammed Dingyadi
and Minister of State Nkeiru Onyejeocha, was initially scheduled for 10:00 am
but started late at 5:00 pm due to delayed arrival of union officials.
Although resolutions of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were read,
Dangote Group objected to some clauses, prolonging negotiations past 10:15 pm.
after accusing the Dangote refinery of banning newly recruited tanker drivers
from joining unions. The strike, announced last Friday, officially began on Monday,
with strict enforcement across all petroleum depots.By Monday morning, compliance was near total. Tanker drivers in Lagos, Warri, Delta State,
and other regions parked their trucks, awaiting further directives.
NUPENG officials locked depot gates to block fuel lifting, with union president
Williams Akporeha confirming “100 per cent compliance across the nation.”
Depots affected include Aiteo, RainOil, Shell+, First Royal, MAO, Hensmor,
One Terminals, Africa Terminals, Integrated Oil and Gas in Lagos, and
Matrix, Parker, AY Shafa depots in Warri.
In Port Harcourt, the Aradel Refinery was closed,
while Delta’s Kwale Hydrocarbon facility also shut down.
and disrupted tanker movements along key roads, including Gusau Road.
Eyewitnesses reported barricades at strategic locations, leaving commuters stranded.
Commercial drivers expressed concerns over rising transport fares,
which could trigger inflationary pressures if the strike persists.Although the fuel shortage was not immediately felt nationwide on Monday,
stakeholders warned that prolonged depot shutdowns could lead to widespread scarcity
and economic hardship within days.
declared solidarity with NUPENG, condemning Dangote Refinery’s alleged resistance to unionisation.
General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa stressed that
“workers’ right to organise is a fundamental human right under Nigerian law
and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.”Related News:
NUPENG Tanker Drivers Announce Indefinite Strike Over CNG Trucks Dispute Tanker Drivers Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Dangote’s CNG Truck Scheme
PENGASSAN warned it may shut down refinery operations if the impasse continues.
The association accused Dangote of blocking staff from joining unions since inception,
despite repeated interventions.
It fully supported NUPENG’s demand for total unionisation of tanker drivers
and all refinery staff.
- Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA):
President Bennett Korie ordered suppliers to halt petroleum deliveries
to construction firms, telecom companies, hotels, and industries from Tuesday morning
if talks collapse. - Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN):
President Billy Gillis-Harry directed members to suspend fuel sales by midnight Tuesday. - Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO):
pledged support for the industrial action.
Meanwhile, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN)
urged quick resolution, warning that disruptions could paralyse petroleum supply chains nationwide.
Economic Implications of the Shutdown
Nigeria, already grappling with economic challenges, faces heightened risks as
fuel supply disruptions could lead to:
- Fuel scarcity and long queues at filling stations.
- Rising transport fares and higher cost of goods and services.
- Reduced productivity in sectors dependent on petroleum products.
- Potential inflation spikes, affecting households and businesses.
Analysts warn that prolonged industrial action could destabilise supply chains
and weaken investor confidence in the energy sector.
to directly intervene. They argue that federal mediation is essential to prevent
escalating disruptions that could cripple Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.Industry leaders are urging a balance between corporate policies of Dangote Refinery
and workers’ rights under Nigerian labour laws. Many believe that dialogue, compromise,
and strict adherence to labour rights principles remain the only sustainable solutions.
between corporate operations and labour rights in Nigeria’s vital oil and gas industry.
While the refinery is a major player in reducing Nigeria’s reliance on fuel imports,
ignoring unionisation demands risks alienating workers and sparking long-term instability.As talks continue, Nigerians anxiously await a resolution that guarantees
fuel supply stability, fair labour practices, and industrial peace.
Failure to resolve the crisis swiftly could plunge the nation into another round of
fuel scarcity and economic hardship.
