As Nigeria prepares for a nationwide strike called by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), two major tanker driver groups have publicly rejected the industrial action, cautioning that it could disrupt fuel supply across the country.
The strike, scheduled to begin on Monday, September 8, 2025, was announced by NUPENG to protest reforms in the downstream petroleum sector, particularly the plan by Dangote Refinery to import 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution.
In response, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) — a key arm of NUPENG — condemned the strike, accusing the union’s national leadership of reckless actions that threaten the stability of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. PTD leaders Mrs. Blessing Dafinone (Warri branch) and Comrade Joseph Dagogo-Jack (Port Harcourt branch) called for the arrest of NUPENG president Williams Akporeha and general secretary Afolabi Olawale, citing mismanagement, intimidation of members, and undermining of national economic interests.
“The strike threat is insensitive and harmful. A responsible union should seek negotiation, not sabotage,” the PTD statement read. The drivers praised the Dangote and Dantata initiative as forward-looking, emphasizing its potential to improve efficiency, eliminate illegal levies, and create jobs.
Similarly, the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) distanced itself from the strike. At its National Executive Council meeting in Abuja on September 6, 2025, the association emphasized that it is not a union but an organization representing drivers from companies including Dangote and MRS.
In a statement signed by DTCDA national president, Barr. Enoch Kanawa, the group condemned the strike as a misuse of union power that threatens Nigeria’s fuel supply and economic stability. The DTCDA reaffirmed its commitment to members’ welfare through health insurance, pension schemes, safe driving education, and transparent governance.
The DTCDA also highlighted the constitutional right of drivers to freely choose their associations without coercion. “The Nigerian economy is fully deregulated, and drivers should be allowed to associate with organizations that best serve their interests,” Kanawa said.
PTD also criticized NUPENG’s internal crises, alleging corruption, factionalism, and poor management of funds collected from drivers. They noted that many tanker drivers earn below ₦50,000 monthly, with some receiving irregular pay, and stressed that no union should be allowed to jeopardize peace and progress in the oil sector.
As the strike date approaches, industry stakeholders remain on high alert, warning that any disruption in fuel distribution could have far-reaching economic consequences. Both the PTD and DTCDA reaffirmed their support for the federal government’s deregulation policies and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, calling on Nigerians to reject attempts to discredit initiatives aimed at modernizing the petroleum sector.
