The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has confirmed it will proceed with its nationwide strike on Monday, September 8, 2025, in protest against alleged anti-labour actions by the Dangote Refinery.

In a statement signed by its President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olufemi, the union accused the refinery of trying to erode workers’ rights and likened the move to an attempt at reintroducing “modern-day slavery” into Nigeria’s workforce.

The dispute traces back to Dangote’s plan to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution. According to NUPENG, the refinery’s management has refused to allow the new drivers of these trucks to join their union. Instead, the company allegedly created a separate body, the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), which the union dismissed as a management-controlled association.

NUPENG insists that the Petroleum Tanker Drivers arm of the union remains the only legally recognised body authorised to unionise fuel truck drivers in Nigeria. It described the DTCDA as a deliberate attempt to weaken workers’ solidarity.

“Any worker denied the right of association is no better than a slave,” the union said, urging Nigerians to reject practices that strip workers of their fundamental freedoms.

Despite pushback from other driver associations opposing the strike, NUPENG stressed that it would not back down, maintaining its commitment to protect the rights and welfare of its members.

The looming industrial action has raised fresh concerns about potential disruptions in the distribution of fuel across the country, as talks between both parties remain unresolved.