NUPENG Tanker Drivers Announce Indefinite Strike Over CNG Trucks Dispute
- Nigeria News
- 06.09.2025
- 2 Comments
- 27
NUPENG Tanker Drivers Announce Indefinite Strike Over CNG Trucks Dispute
as the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a branch of the
National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG),
have announced that they will commence an indefinite strike on Monday,
September 8, 2025.The strike action is linked to unresolved disputes over the
deployment of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks
for nationwide distribution of petroleum products, an initiative backed by
Dangote Refinery. The union insists that the plan
threatens the livelihoods of thousands of tanker drivers across the country.
CNG-powered trucks as a cleaner, cost-effective, and
efficient means of transporting petroleum products.While this move has been praised as an innovative step towards
modernising Nigeria’s fuel distribution network,
NUPENG sees the initiative as a direct threat
to its members’ jobs and bargaining power.
According to the union, replacing traditional tanker drivers with
newly recruited staff under new terms of employment could
displace thousands of existing workers.
Akporeha, and General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi
Olawale, the union disclosed that
several meetings with stakeholders failed to resolve the issue.
The statement also raised concerns over the new recruitment policies
attached to the CNG truck drivers. NUPENG alleged that
the conditions of service may prevent drivers from joining
existing unions, thereby undermining workers’ rights.
The union described such a move as a violation of the
constitutional right to freedom of association
and a breach of international labour conventions
to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Federal Government of Nigeria, regulatory agencies,
and relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene
in the matter to prevent an escalation.
“By this statement, we call on the Federal Government of Nigeria,
its regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to urgently
wade into this matter,”
NUPENG statement.
The union maintained that unless immediate steps were taken,
the strike would proceed as planned, potentially crippling
fuel supply nationwide.
Related News:
Tanker Drivers Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Dangote’s CNG Truck Scheme
Dangote Truck Accident in Edo: Man Loses Brother Days After Defending Truck Circulation
Dangote Truck Accident in Enugu: Family and Others Feared Dead
far-reaching effects on Nigeria’s economy.
If tanker drivers stop loading and distributing petroleum products,
the country could face:
- Fuel scarcity leading to long queues at filling stations
- Increase in black market sales and higher pump prices
- Transportation disruptions affecting commuters and businesses
- Inflationary pressures due to rising logistics costs
- Economic slowdown caused by reduced energy availability
Industry analysts warn that unless the federal government brokers
a quick resolution, the dispute could further worsen
Nigeria’s fragile economic conditions.
NUPENG appealed to Nigerians to
bear with the temporary disruptions.
The union emphasised that its primary concern was to
protect the welfare and rights of its members.According to the union, sacrificing workers’ livelihoods
in the name of efficiency and cost reduction is not acceptable,
and Nigerians should understand that the strike is aimed
at safeguarding fair labour practices.
barred from joining unions has sparked debates
in labour circles.Labour rights experts argue that freedom of association
is guaranteed under Nigerian labour law and by international treaties
such as International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
If NUPENG’s claims are accurate, the situation could trigger
legal battles between labour unions and the
Dangote Group, while also drawing attention from the global
labour community.
supported the Dangote Refinery
during its construction and commissioning phases.
The union said it had expected the refinery to generate
jobs and foster a labour-friendly environment.However, the current standoff has created
disappointment and mistrust,
with the union insisting that Dangote’s current policies
represent a betrayal of earlier expectations.
Many on social media expressed support for tanker drivers,
insisting that workers’ rights should not be compromised.Others, however, argue that Dangote’s CNG truck initiative could
modernise Nigeria’s petroleum logistics system
and reduce inefficiencies, urging unions not to resist progress.
is a test of Nigeria’s ability to balance
labour rights and innovation in the petroleum sector.As September 8, 2025 approaches, the outcome of negotiations
or lack thereof will determine whether Nigeria experiences
another round of fuel scarcity.
Ultimately, the dispute underscores the need for a
collaborative approach where innovation,
efficiency, and workers’ welfare coexist in harmony.
2 Comments
[…] NUPENG Tanker Drivers Announce Indefinite Strike Over CNG Trucks Dispute Tanker Drivers Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Dangote’s CNG Truck Scheme […]
[…] NUPENG’s complaints fully and stop the harassment of their members without delay. Related News:NUPENG Tanker Drivers Announce Indefinite Strike Over CNG Trucks Dispute Tanker Drivers Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Dangote’s CNG Truck Scheme NUPENG Shuts Depots […]