Strong opposition has trailed the nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), scheduled to begin on Monday, September 8, 2025, over reforms in the downstream oil sector.
Two major tanker driver associations including the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) have openly distanced themselves from the action, warning that any disruption to fuel supply would damage the nation’s economy.
NUPENG had announced the strike to protest the Dangote Refinery’s plan to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution. But in a strongly worded statement, the PTD accused NUPENG’s leadership of “reckless and destabilising actions” and called for the arrest of its president, Williams Akporeha, and general secretary, Afolabi Olawale.
According to the PTD, the refinery’s initiative backed by Dangote and Sayyu Dantata will modernise the industry, create jobs, and eliminate illegal levies. The drivers described NUPENG’s resistance as “selfish, hypocritical, and harmful to national interest.”
“This strike threat is insensitive and wicked. A responsible union explores negotiation, not sabotage. NUPENG leaders are economic saboteurs using the union to pursue personal interests,” the PTD declared.
The group further accused NUPENG of corruption, mismanagement, and neglect of members’ welfare, alleging that many tanker drivers still earn less than N50,000 monthly despite billions of naira in dues collected.
Similarly, the DTCDA, in a statement signed by its president, Barr. Enoch Kanawa, emphasised that it is an association and not a union, representing drivers from Dangote, MRS, and other companies. The group reaffirmed drivers’ constitutional right to freedom of association and rejected any attempt to force membership under NUPENG.
Kanawa said the DTCDA remains focused on members’ welfare through health insurance, pension schemes, safe driving education, and transparent governance, while supporting the federal government’s deregulation policies and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“Any action that disrupts the smooth flow of petroleum products is a disservice to Nigerians and an abuse of union power,” the DTCDA stated.
Both groups urged the federal government, National Assembly, and security agencies to intervene to prevent fuel supply disruptions.
They also called on Nigerians to reject attempts to discredit reforms aimed at modernising the downstream sector.
With the strike date looming, industry stakeholders are on edge, fearing that any disruption could trigger fresh economic shocks across the country.
