By John Umeh
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has reaffirmed its decision to commence an indefinite strike starting Monday, September 8, 2025, in protest against what it describes as “modern-day slavery” within the oil and gas sector.
In a statement signed by its President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olufemi, the union strongly condemned alleged anti-labour practices at Dangote Refinery, stressing that no worker should be denied the right to join a union of their choice.
The conflict escalated after the refinery began importing 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks in mid-August for direct fuel distribution. According to NUPENG, management insisted that the new drivers would not be permitted to join the union but instead must register under the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA)—an arrangement NUPENG described as a management-backed ploy to weaken organised labour.
The union dismissed DTCDA as an “illegal association,” claiming it was set up by Alhaji Sayyu Dantata and Alhaji Aliko Dangote solely to sideline NUPENG and erode tanker drivers’ bargaining power.
“Any worker denied the freedom of association is being reduced to the status of a slave. This is unacceptable in a democratic society,” the statement read. NUPENG further urged the public not to condone or support policies that strip workers of fundamental rights.
Meanwhile, other stakeholders, including some driver groups, have criticised the strike plan, warning it could disrupt nationwide fuel distribution. But NUPENG insists it will not back down until workers’ rights are fully guaranteed, adding that the union “remains united, resolute, and ready to defend its members.”
