The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has announced that its members will commence a nationwide strike on Monday, September 8, 2025, in protest against what it describes as anti-union labour practices linked to the introduction of newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks by Dangote Refinery.
In a statement jointly signed by NUPENG’s National President, Prince Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the union accused Dangote of violating workers’ rights and undermining established trade unions in the oil and gas sector.
According to NUPENG, the issue stems from Dangote’s announcement on June 14, 2025, to import 4,000 CNG trucks, a number later increased to 10,000, intended for nationwide distribution of petroleum and diesel products. While initially viewed as a positive investment in energy transition and logistics, the development has since raised red flags among stakeholders, including the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).
A follow-up meeting held on June 23, 2025, between NUPENG, NARTO, and Dangote Group’s representative, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, reportedly revealed that the new trucks would operate under an arrangement that excludes current industry unions.
NUPENG further alleged that recruitment for the CNG truck drivers began on August 29, 2025, with applicants reportedly required to sign undertakings not to join any unions within the oil and gas sector—a move the union says blatantly violates national and international labour laws.
“The recruitment being carried out on the condition of not joining existing unions is a matter of serious concern to us,” the union stated. “This violates Nigeria’s Constitution, labour laws, and international conventions on freedom of association.”
The union referenced:
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Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association,
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Section 9(6) of the Labour Act, which prohibits discrimination based on union membership,
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And ILO Convention No. 87, ratified by Nigeria, which is enforceable under Section 254C(2) of the Constitution.
NUPENG also called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intervene using its powers under Section 32 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to curb restrictive labour practices in the petroleum sector.
After what it described as unsuccessful engagements with government agencies and stakeholders, NUPENG said it has been left with no option but to proceed with the industrial action.
“The strike is not intended to create hardship but to defend workers’ rights and uphold a fair, competitive downstream petroleum industry,” the union clarified.
NUPENG also appealed to the public for understanding and called on other labour bodies—including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC)—to show solidarity.
In a final note of concern, the union revealed that its Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch has been advised to begin exploring alternative employment opportunities or skill acquisition programs, should the impasse continue.
