The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has reaffirmed its decision to commence a nationwide strike on Monday, September 8, 2025, insisting that no external pressure will make it back down.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday and signed by its President, Comrade Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olufemi, the union accused Dangote Refinery of attempting to “reintroduce slavery” into Nigeria’s labour system through alleged anti-worker practices.
NUPENG noted that despite opposition from some stakeholders, including the Petrol Tanker Drivers and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), it remains resolute. The union described DTCDA as a creation of the Dangote Group and its allies, allegedly designed to weaken NUPENG and deny workers their constitutional right of association.
“For the avoidance of doubt, DTCDA is not a legitimate trade union. It was formed by Alhaji Sayyu Dantata and Alhaji Aliko Dangote to compel drivers of the 10,000 CNG trucks being imported to register under its umbrella rather than join NUPENG, which is the only recognised union for petroleum tanker drivers,” the statement read in part.
The union stressed that attempts to coerce drivers into “company-sponsored unions” amount to modern-day slavery.
“Slavery was abolished centuries ago, but some powerful interests are scheming to bring it back in disguise. A worker who is denied freedom of association is reduced to nothing but a slave. Nigerians must not condone such exploitative conditions,” NUPENG declared.
