Dangote: Fuel scarcity looms as tanker drivers begin strike over CNG truck rollout

Nigeria faces the prospect of fuel scarcity beginning today (Monday) following a strike declared by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) under the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

The union is protesting Dangote Refinery’s plan to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks for direct distribution of petroleum products. NUPENG insists the move could displace thousands of tanker drivers and infringe on their right to unionize.

Labour and Employment Minister, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, confirmed on Sunday that a conciliation meeting has been scheduled in Abuja. He urged the union to suspend its action, while also appealing to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to withdraw its “red alert” notice to affiliates.

“I plead with the unions to give peace a chance. I assure them that this matter will be resolved amicably,” Dingyadi said in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Patience Onuobia.

Union insiders indicated that the strike could be suspended depending on the outcome of the talks. “In reverence to the intervention of government, we are putting the strike on hold to listen, with the hope that positive developments will come out,” a source told Daily Trust.

In a statement signed by its President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG accused Dangote of anti-labour practices, alleging the refinery prevented new drivers from joining unions. The union said this contravenes Nigeria’s constitution and international conventions.

According to the statement, while NUPENG supported Dangote Refinery during its construction phase, the company should not “monopolise distribution, crush competition, enslave the sector, and raise prices.”

The strike threat has revealed divisions within the trucking sector. The Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), led by Barrister Enoch Kanawa, distanced itself from the action, claiming no ties with NUPENG.

NUPENG dismissed the group’s stance, insisting the DTCDA was created by Dangote management to undermine the union. “Barrister Enoch Kanawa is a lawyer, not a tanker driver,” the union stated, reaffirming that the PTD Branch would halt lifting fuel nationwide.

Meanwhile, four PTD zonal leaders — Tajudeen Abubakar (Kaduna),  Blessing Dafinone (Warri), Joseph Dagogo-Jack (Port Harcourt), and Kolade Fadahunsi Ojelabi (Lagos) — criticized the strike call, labeling it “insensitive and unacceptable.”

Despite these cracks, petroleum marketers and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have expressed support for NUPENG. Adding to the pressure, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) announced a three-day suspension of operations starting Tuesday.

Its president, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, said the decision was aimed at promoting competition and avoiding monopoly. He stressed that PETROAN’s action would be peaceful and lawful.

“PETROAN underscores its commitment to advancing the interests of Nigerian citizens in pricing stability and promoting a stable, productive industry,” Gillis-Harry said. He urged President Bola Tinubu, the Petroleum Minister, and the NMDPRA to intervene swiftly.

The refinery’s direct distribution system, initially slated for August 15, has been delayed due to logistics issues in China, though some CNG trucks have already arrived in Nigeria. Analysts warn that if the dispute drags on, nationwide shortages could follow, with filling stations shutting down.

Experts argue the standoff underscores broader fears that Dangote Refinery’s entry into the downstream sector could marginalize existing players while raising questions about worker protections.

The Federal Government has expressed optimism that its mediation will calm tensions. “Since I have intervened, I plead with NUPENG to rescind their decision to shut down the petroleum sector from tomorrow (today),” Dingyadi said.

Union representatives, however, have hinted the final decision will hinge on the outcome of today’s meeting.

(DAILY TRUST)