Petroleum Retailers Back NUPENG Strike, Suspends Products Lifting From Tuesday

Petroleum products’ retailers nationwide have declared their support for the impending strike by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

The retailers, on Saturday, announced a three-day suspension of lifting and dispensing petroleum products starting Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

PETROAN’s national president, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, emphasised that their move aimed to protest against monopolistic threats, particularly from the aggressive business strategies of Dangote Refinery, which he warned could devastate smaller players such as private depot owners, modular refinery operators, marketers, and transporters.

Dr. Gillis-Harry cautioned that such dominance threatens widespread unemployment and economic instability, drawing parallels to negative outcomes seen previously in Nigeria’s cement industry.

The association called on President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum, and other security and regulatory agencies to intervene immediately, even during their vacations, to prevent the looming disruption of product supply.

He also clarified that since pump attendants at PETROAN stations are registered NUPENG members, the union’s strike would lead to the absence of petrol attendants—mandating station owners to refrain from dismissing employees during the strike period.

According to him, PETROAN held emergency consultations and resolved on compliance measures, including deploying a 120-man watchdog team to protect member facilities during the shutdown. The association reaffirmed its commitment to fostering healthy competition to promote sector stability and protect the livelihoods of millions relying on the oil and gas economy.

He appealed to the President to find a solution to the crisis, ensuring the smooth operation of the oil and gas sector and minimising disruptions to the nation’s economy.

Recall that PETROAN had earlier advocated for healthy competition in the oil and gas sector, as opposed to monopolistic tendencies.

Dr. Gillis-Harry stated that the aggressive business strategies of Dangote Refinery would have far-reaching consequences, including pushing private depot owners, modular refinery operators, marketers, retail owners, truck owners, and truck drivers, out of business.

This, he warned, would trigger mass unemployment nationwide, with devastating effects on the economy and the livelihoods of Nigerians.

Gillis-Harry advised Nigerians to view any initial strategy aimed at gaining monopoly as a “Father Christmas” promise, cautioning them not to forget the events that unfolded in the cement industry. He urged Nigerians to be vigilant and not be swayed by promises that may seem beneficial in the short term but could have long-term negative consequences.

He noted that PETROAN held an emergency ordinary national general meeting, where it resolved to hold consultations on Sunday and Monday, in a bid to mediate on the proposed shutdown.

“In the event of no fruitful outcome, the PETROAN Congress agreed to not to sack any employee who participate at all retail outlets nationwide by the early hours of Tuesday.

“To enforce this decision, a 120-man compliance team will be mobilised as watchdogs to ensure safety of our member’s facilities.

“As a critical player amongst stakeholders, PETROAN will join other stakeholders in ensuring healthy competition in the oil and gas sector of Nigeria. This collaborative effort aims to promote a conducive environment for workers, foster sector growth, and ultimately benefit the Nigerian economy,” he stated.