NUPENG Announces Nationwide Strike From September 8 Over Labour Dispute With Dangote Refinery

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has declared that its members will begin a nationwide strike on Monday, September 8, 2025, over what it described as anti-union labour practices linked to the use of newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks by Dangote Refinery.

In a statement signed by National President Prince Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, the union said the decision followed months of unresolved concerns.

NUPENG recalled that Dangote announced on June 14, 2025, the importation of 4,000 CNG trucks—later increased to 10,000—for fuel distribution across the country. While initially seen as a positive investment, the union said it raised fears among stakeholders, including the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), about its impact on existing operators.

Following a joint request for clarification, NUPENG and NARTO met Dangote’s representative, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, on June 23, 2025. According to the union, they were informed that the trucks would be managed under a new structure that excluded existing trade unions.

The union alleged that recruitment for drivers began on August 29, 2025, and applicants were reportedly required to sign undertakings not to join established oil and gas unions. NUPENG described this as a violation of labour rights, citing Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, Section 9(6) of the Labour Act, and ILO Convention 87 on freedom of association.

“The recruitment being carried out on the condition of not joining existing unions is a matter of serious concern to us. This requirement does not align with Nigeria’s Constitution, labour legislation, or international conventions on freedom of association,” the statement read.

NUPENG also urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to enforce its mandate under the Petroleum Industry Act to prevent restrictive practices. The union said repeated appeals to government agencies and the companies involved had failed to yield results.

“Having exhausted all available avenues of dialogue, we are left with no option but to embark on a nationwide industrial action beginning Monday, September 8, 2025,” the union declared.

It assured Nigerians that the strike was aimed at protecting workers’ rights, not at causing hardship, and called for solidarity from other labour bodies, including the NLC and TUC. The Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of NUPENG has also been advised to consider alternative employment or skills training if the dispute remains unresolved.

NUPENG called on the Federal Government to intervene and ensure adherence to labour laws. At the time of filing this report, Dangote Group had not issued a response.