Petrol tanker drivers urge members to shun strike notice by NUPENG

The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) have countered a strike notice issued by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over the alleged prevention of its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tanker drivers from “joining labour unions” at the Dangote refinery.

Earlier, NUPENG had announced that workers would down tools and begin sourcing alternative employment from 8 September.

Countering this in a statement, the PTD Warri Zone Chairperson, Chief (Mrs) Blessing Dafinone, and the Port Harcourt Zone Chairman, Comrade Joseph Dagogo-Jack (JP), said the PTD rejected the union’s directive, which it described as “insensitive”.

“This is a clarion call to all Petroleum Tanker Drivers across Nigeria to please ignore the strike notice issued by the NUPENG leadership. The purported notice suggested that the industrial action would take effect on Monday, 8 September 2025. This is obviously insensitive, callous, and unacceptable.

“How could NUPENG condescend so low that it did not even deem it necessary to explore any option of negotiation or stakeholder dialogue before arriving at this?”

The PTD said unions are expected to be socially responsible and not self-centred, warning that such actions are “capable of ruining the socio-economic accomplishments of the country”.

The union stressed that membership anywhere in the world is voluntary.

According to the association, the Dangote refinery’s plan to import 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks for the direct distribution of fuel to retailers “is in good shape and in the best interest of the masses”.

“Negotiations and symbiotic relationships cannot be reached through violence, threats, or arrogance. Nigeria is governed under a constitutional democracy; these union leaders should note that very carefully,” the PTD said.

Furthermore, the association accused NUPENG of failing to foster peace and harmony in the industry through its actions.

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