The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) have called on their members to disregard a strike notice issued by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), setting up a rare open rift within the fuel distribution chain.
Earlier on Friday, NUPENG announced that its members would begin an indefinite strike on September 8, warning that workers might be forced to “seek alternative employment.” The union linked its action to alleged moves by the Dangote refinery to prevent compressed natural gas (CNG) tanker drivers from joining labour unions.
But in a strongly worded statement, PTD rejected the directive, describing it as “insensitive” and “callous.”
“This is a clarion call to all Petroleum Tanker Drivers across Nigeria to please ignore the strike notice issued by NUPENG leadership. The purported notice suggested that the industrial action will take effect on Monday, September 8, 2025. This is obviously insensitive, callous, and unacceptable,” PTD said.
The association criticized NUPENG’s leadership for failing to pursue dialogue before declaring an industrial action. “How could NUPENG condescend so low like this that they didn’t even deem it necessary to explore any option of negotiation or stakeholders dialogue before arriving at this?” the statement added.
PTD argued that labour unions should act responsibly and not in ways that could jeopardize Nigeria’s fragile economic stability. It stressed that membership in any union is voluntary and not mandatory.
The group also defended Dangote refinery’s plan to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks for direct distribution of fuel to retailers, calling the move “in good shape and in best interest of the masses.”
“Negotiations and symbiotic relationships cannot be reached through violence, threats or arrogance. Nigeria is governed under constitutional democracy, these union leaders should note that very carefully,” PTD said.
The association further accused NUPENG of undermining peace and stability in the downstream oil sector through its recent actions.
The dispute underscores mounting tensions in Nigeria’s fuel distribution system at a time when the Dangote refinery, the largest in Africa, is ramping up operations and pushing a transition toward CNG-powered transportation. Analysts warn that a full-scale strike could disrupt fuel supply nationwide, though PTD’s defiance of NUPENG may blunt the impact.