JUST IN: Fuel scarcity looms as NUPENG, Dangote Refinery clash

Nigeria could be plunged into another round of nationwide fuel scarcity as a confrontation between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Dangote Refinery intensifies, raising fears of disruptions in the supply and distribution of petroleum products.

In a strongly worded statement signed by NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the union instructed its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch to halt all loading of petroleum products from Dangote Refinery depots starting Monday, September 8, 2025. The directive, if carried out, could cripple fuel distribution across the country.

Dispute Over Right to Unionise

The crisis stems from Dangote Refinery’s reported insistence that drivers recruited for its fleet of 10,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks would not be allowed to join any trade union. NUPENG described the position as an “affront” on workers’ constitutional rights.

“This is an outright violation of the right of association guaranteed under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution and a breach of international labour laws, including ILO Convention 87, to which Nigeria is a signatory,” the union declared.

NUPENG said several appeals— including interventions made jointly with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO)— urging Alhaji Aliko Dangote to reverse the decision, were ignored.

Escalation of Tensions

The situation worsened on August 29 when MRS Holdings, owned by Dangote’s cousin, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, allegedly began recruiting drivers on the condition that they sign undertakings never to join any trade union.

“Arising from the unfortunate outcome of the meeting, the leadership of the Union have made several efforts to get relevant institutions of the country to make Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his cousin, Alhaji Sayyu Ali Dantata, follow global best practices and decency, but all to no avail,” NUPENG said.

The union accused Dangote of pursuing policies that amount to “enslavement” of Nigerian workers and warned that such practices could destabilise the entire downstream sector.

From Support to Confrontation

Recalling its earlier support for Dangote Refinery during its construction and commissioning phases, NUPENG said it had expected job creation, sectoral growth, and improved welfare under a labour-friendly environment. Instead, the union accused Dangote of plotting to “monopolise distribution, crush competition, enslave the sector and raise prices,” describing such actions as “economic sabotage” against Nigerians.

“This is not philanthropy,” NUPENG said. “It is pure exploitation that will attack the living standards of ordinary Nigerians.”

Potential Impact on Fuel Supply

With tanker drivers directed to boycott Dangote depots, analysts warn that the fallout could trigger long queues at filling stations, sharp increases in pump prices, and the emergence of black-market sales—similar to previous nationwide fuel crises. The timing also raises concerns, as Nigeria continues to grapple with inflationary pressures and rising cost of living.

Call for Government Intervention

The union called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to invoke its powers under Section 32 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to curb “abuse of dominant positions and restrictive business practices” in the sector.

It also appealed to the Federal Government and relevant institutions to urgently intervene before the crisis spirals into a nationwide fuel shortage.

A Warning to Nigerians

In closing, NUPENG hinted that if Dangote’s stance remains unchanged, its members may permanently seek alternative employment.

“Since Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his cousin have resolved to replace all Petroleum Tanker Drivers in Nigeria and no institution seems capable of stopping him, members of the PTD branch of NUPENG will from Monday, 8th September 2025, start looking for alternative employments and livelihoods. We plead with the general public to bear any inconveniences our struggle against this tyranny and indecency may cause,” the statement read.