NARTO backs NUPENG strike

The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has thrown its weight behind the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in their planned shutdown of petrol distribution across Nigeria on Monday, September 8.

The move, announced by NARTO national president Yusuf Lawal Othman on Sunday, follows NUPENG’s call for members to down tools in protest against what it described as anti-labour practices by Dangote Refinery.

The refinery is reportedly rolling out 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks, a move NUPENG claims aims to sideline existing drivers under its membership.

Reacting to the development, NARTO stated its unequivocal opposition to Dangote Refinery’s initiative, warning that it threatens the livelihoods of thousands of independent transporters who form the backbone of Nigeria’s petroleum distribution network.

“NARTO members collectively operate more than 30,000 trucks nationwide, employing thousands of drivers, assistants, and service providers. These operations sustain millions of dependents and are supported by financial commitments from local and international banks, marketers, and depot owners,” the association said.

NARTO called on the federal government, relevant ministries and agencies, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Dangote Group to immediately create a forum for meaningful dialogue among all stakeholders.

The association stressed that the platform should ensure fair competition, protect jobs, and safeguard the welfare of millions of Nigerians reliant on the petroleum transport sector.

“NARTO reaffirms its total support for NUPENG in this struggle. Our collective action is not against investment or industrial growth but against monopolistic practices that threaten jobs, national security, and the broader Nigerian economy,” the statement concluded.