Nigeria may face fuel shortages next week as tanker drivers under the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) threaten to suspend fuel loading in protest against an ongoing conflict with the management of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The dispute stems from the refinery’s plan to import 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks for direct distribution of fuel to retailers. The initiative, initially scheduled for August 15 but delayed due to logistics challenges in China, will commence once a significant number of trucks arrive.

In a statement signed by its President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG accused the refinery of adopting anti-labour practices that threaten the livelihoods of tanker drivers under its Petroleum and Tanker Drivers Branch.

The union alleged that Aliko Dangote, founder of the refinery, had stated that newly recruited drivers for the CNG trucks would not be allowed to join any trade union. NUPENG described this stance as a violation of workers’ rights under the 1999 Constitution and international labour conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.

According to the union, several efforts—alongside the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO)—to persuade Dangote to reverse his position were ignored. It further alleged that Sayyu Dantata’s MRS Oil recently began recruiting drivers for the trucks under conditions that prevent them from joining unions.

NUPENG said it would not stand by while thousands of tanker drivers risk losing their means of livelihood. The union recalled supporting the refinery during its construction and commissioning, expecting it to create jobs, strengthen local capacity, and operate under fair labour practices. Instead, it accused Dangote of seeking to monopolise distribution, eliminate competition, and ultimately raise fuel prices—actions the union described as economic sabotage.

While urging regulators to intervene, NUPENG warned that its members would halt the loading of petroleum products nationwide starting Monday, September 8, if the issues remain unresolved. It also cautioned that tanker drivers may begin seeking alternative employment.

The union appealed for public understanding of the disruptions its planned strike may cause, stressing that the struggle is about defending fundamental labour rights. It called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and global labour bodies to stand in solidarity.

NUPENG further urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to invoke provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act that safeguard competition and prevent abuse of dominant market positions. It emphasized that any policy restricting workers’ right to unionize contradicts the Constitution.

The statement concluded by calling on the Federal Government to intervene and ensure that both Dangote and Dantata operate within the framework of Nigerian law, warning that the union is ready to mobilize against any form of labour suppression.

As of press time, Dangote Group had not issued an official response.

The importation of 4,000 CNG trucks by the $20 billion Dangote Refinery—commissioned in May 2023 and projected to process 650,000 barrels of crude daily—has divided stakeholders in the downstream sector. While the refinery is seen as a major boost to Nigeria’s energy independence, NUPENG fears the move could render many tanker drivers jobless, setting the stage for a nationwide fuel crisis if the conflict escalates.