NLC, PETROAN Back NUPENG on Sept. 8 Face-Off With Dangote

Tensions are escalating between organised labour and one of Nigeria’s largest private sector employers, as the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has thrown its full weight behind the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, in a fast-developing dispute with the Dangote Refinery over alleged anti-union activities.

The NLC and PETROAN actions are propelled by a planned industrial action by NUPENG, which has threatened to stop fuel loading operations at the multibillion-dollar Dangote refinery facility beginning from Monday, September 8, 2025.

Also, in support of the NUPENG/Dangote face-off, the Petroleum products retail outlets association of Nigeria, PETROAN has asked its members to begin warning withdrawal services for three days from Tuesday 9, September.

At the centre of the conflict is the refinery’s plan to import thousands of compressed natural gas, CNG powered trucks to distribute fuel nationwide.

NUPENG alleges that drivers recruited to operate these trucks are being compelled to sign undertakings not to join any trade union, a condition the union says violates their constitutional and labour rights.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the alleged anti-labour stance of the Dangote Group, calling it “crude and dangerous.

The NLC said the revelations in NUPENG’s petition are not just about petroleum workers. They represent a full-blown declaration of war against trade unionism and the principle of decent work.

The labour centre pointed to a growing pattern of complaints from other unions operating within the Dangote Group’s various business arms, including cement, sugar, and flour, accusing the conglomerate of: Union suppression, Unfair wages, Casualisation, Unsafe working conditions and 

Preferential hiring of expatriates over qualified Nigerians

The NLC used the statement to place  all its over 43 unions  and  workers nationwide on red alert, warning that continued violations by Dangote Group could spark a wider industrial crisis.

For the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN, it  has announced a three days forwarning of suspension of lifting and dispensing of petroleum products

beginning from the early hours of Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in their advocacy for healthy

competition as against any form of monopoly in the Nigerian Petroleum downstream sector.

PETROAN’s National President,  Billy Gillis-Harry, made the announcement in a statement.

Harry emphasized that the action of NUPENG

would be both lawful and peaceful, underscoring the association’s commitment to promoting

workers’ rights and benefits through constructive engagement.

PETROAN underscores its commitment to advancing the interests of Nigerian citizens in the pricing stability of the petroleum sector and promoting a stable and productive industry

They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), the Group CEO of NNPC, the Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA, the Director General of DSS, and the IGP of the Nigeria Police Force to intervene urgently in the proposed actions of NUPENG and PETROAN to avert potential hardship and pain on citizens arising from the suspension of lifting and dispensing of petroleum products.