The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers has insisted that its strike action on Monday, September 8, 2025 will go on as planned. The workers recently accused the management of Dangote Refinery of trying to bring back slavery into Nigeria’s workforce.
In a press statement issued and signed by its President and General Secretary, Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olufemi, NUPENG revealed that the strike will go on as scheduled.
According to the group, the demonstration is against anti-labour activities by Dangote Refinery, a violation that stemmed from Dangote’s plan to import 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution to retailers starting August 15.
NUPENG blasted the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association for kicking against its planned strike, describing its stance as a ploy to weaken the ranks of petroleum tanker drivers.
“For the information of the public, the DTCDA is the association which the Dangote Group of Companies has formed for the drivers to join compulsorily rather than allowing drivers to join NUPENG, which is the only statutorily recognised union authorised to unionise petroleum tanker drivers.
Slavery ended centuries ago, but some unscrupulous capitalists are making efforts to bring it back. Any worker who cannot exercise the right of association is no better than a slave. Ordinary Nigerians should neither encourage nor support slavish working conditions,” it read.
NUPENG further reiterated that it remains united and committed to defending the rights of its members.
The association concluded by urging citizens to join in its fight against the enslavement of Nigerian workers.
“Ordinary Nigerians should neither encourage nor support slavish working conditions,” it added.
