Tanker Drivers Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Dangote’s CNG Truck Scheme

The looming strike stems from an ongoing dispute with
Dangote Refinery over its plan to deploy
4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks for direct
distribution of fuel to retailers across Nigeria.

While the initiative is seen by many as an innovative approach
to enhance efficiency and reduce fuel distribution bottlenecks,
it has triggered fears within NUPENG that the scheme would
displace thousands of its members and weaken union power
in the oil and gas logistics chain.

This direct-to-retailer fuel distribution model is expected to
reduce reliance on external tanker drivers and enhance delivery
reliability. However, the union has expressed concern that this
approach represents a form of monopoly and exclusion,
undermining its members’ role in the petroleum transport sector.

The union accused Dangote of
preventing newly recruited drivers from joining any union,
a policy they described as a violation of
Nigeria’s constitutional right to freedom of association
and a breach of international labour conventions to which
Nigeria is a signatory.

NUPENG warned that it would not sit idly while the livelihoods
of its members were placed under threat, insisting that union rights
must be respected in the refinery’s operations.

According to the union, Dangote’s refusal to allow its drivers
to unionise represents a betrayal of earlier promises and
expectations of inclusivity in the refinery’s operations.

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This action could lead to severe
fuel shortages nationwide, with petrol stations
experiencing long queues and potential black market price hikes.
The union, however, appealed to Nigerians to
bear with any inconveniences, noting that the
action was necessary to protect jobs and workers’ rights.

Furthermore, NUPENG called on the
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),
Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other
industrial unions to prepare for solidarity actions
should the strike commence.

Nigeria’s labour laws and international conventions
guarantee workers the right to join and form unions.
If proven, Dangote’s stance would not only contradict
local laws but also Nigeria’s obligations under
International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.

Analysts warn that a nationwide strike could worsen
inflationary pressures, disrupt transportation,
and cause ripple effects across the economy.
Stakeholders in the petroleum sector have urged both parties
to return to the negotiation table to avert a crisis.

Some Nigerians on social media have expressed solidarity
with tanker drivers, arguing that workers’ rights must
not be sacrificed in the name of corporate efficiency.
Others, however, believe Dangote’s CNG trucks will
modernise Nigeria’s petroleum logistics
and should not be resisted.

The refinery has previously positioned its CNG truck initiative
as part of its commitment to cleaner energy and greater efficiency
in petroleum product distribution.

With the strike threat set for September 8,
Nigerians face the possibility of a fresh round of fuel scarcity
unless urgent negotiations are undertaken.

The outcome of this dispute could reshape
labour relations in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector
and determine how innovation and workers’ welfare are balanced
in the future of petroleum logistics.