Nationwide Fuel Crisis Imminent as NUPENG Sets Strike Date
Nigeria is on the verge of a fresh round of fuel scarcity as the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has declared a nationwide strike effective Monday, September 8, 2025.
The union’s decision follows rising tensions over the Dangote Refinery’s introduction of 10,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks, which it says are being deployed outside existing trade unions. Recruitment for drivers reportedly began in late August, with applicants allegedly required to sign undertakings not to join any oil and gas workers’ union.
NUPENG condemned the development as a direct attack on workers’ rights and a violation of Nigeria’s labour laws and international conventions. The union accused Dangote of attempting to weaken organized labour by sidelining its members from the new distribution structure.
“We have explored dialogue without success. This strike is our last resort,” the union leaders declared, stressing that the action is aimed at protecting workers rather than punishing Nigerians.
The looming strike threatens to paralyze petroleum distribution nationwide, raising fears of long queues at filling stations and another round of price hikes. NUPENG has also urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to rally behind the action, while advising its Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch to prepare for alternative job opportunities if the dispute drags on.
The union further called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to intervene by curbing practices that stifle fair competition in the sector.
As of press time, the Dangote Group had not responded to the allegations.
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