Tanker Drivers Reject NUPENG Strike, Oppose Petrol Supply Disruption

Reactions have continued to trail strike action called by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

Two major tanker driver groups have publicly rejected the impending strike planned by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), set to begin on Monday, September 8, 2025, warning against any disruption to petrol supply across Nigeria.

The NUPENG has called for a nationwide strike beginning Monday, September 8, to protest specific reforms within the downstream petroleum sector, particularly the Dangote Refinery’s plan to import 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution.

In reaction to the call, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a critical branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), launched a fierce attack on the union’s national leadership, calling for the immediate arrest of key executives over what they describe as “reckless and destabilizing” actions that threaten Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Also, the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) distanced itself from the strike after its National Executive Council meeting in Abuja on September 6, 2025, stressing that it is an association rather than a union.

The DTCDA represents drivers from various companies, including Dangote and MRS, and emphasised the constitutional right of drivers to choose their associations or unions freely without coercion.
In a release signed by its national president, Barr. Enoch Kanawa, the DTCDA, condemned the NUPENG strike as a disservice to Nigerians and a misuse of union power that threatens the smooth distribution of petroleum products.

Supporting the federal government’s deregulation policies and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, the DTCDA highlighted its commitment to member welfare through health insurance, pension schemes, safe driving education, and transparent governance.

The group also called on the government to prevent forced recruitment into any organisation, safeguarding freedom of association, adding, “ We as stakeholders in the Nigerian transport industry deem it fit to put issues in their proper perspectives so that the public are not being manipulated and taken for a ride because the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the freedom of Association for persons to choose who and whom to associate or partner with voluntarily. More so, the Nigerian economy is fully deregulated,” it said.

In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by Mrs Blessing Dafinone (Warri PTD) and Comrade Joseph Dagogo-Jack (Port Harcourt) branch, the drivers accused NUPENG president Williams Akporeha and general secretary Afolabi Olawale of mismanaging the union, intimidating members, and undermining national economic progress.
According to the PTD, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Sayyu Dantata’s move is a forward-looking initiative that will improve efficiency, eliminate illegal levies, and create jobs. They described NUPENG’s resistance as selfish, hypocritical, and damaging to the country.

“This strike threat is insensitive and wicked. A responsible union explores negotiation, not sabotage,” the statement read. “NUPENG leaders are economic saboteurs using the union to pursue personal interests.”

The PTD also criticised NUPENG’s internal crisis and alleged corruption, claiming the union has become a shadow of its former self, plagued by lawsuits, factionalism, and administrative failure. They alleged that billions in dues collected from drivers have not translated into welfare or training support, and that many tanker drivers earn less than ₦50,000 monthly — some without regular pay.

The PTD advised the federal government, National Assembly, and security agencies to intervene decisively, including arresting NUPENG leaders, to prevent further unrest.

“No union is above the law. NUPENG must not be allowed to destroy the peace and progress in the oil sector,” they warned.

The tanker drivers hailed Dangote and Dantata as patriotic businessmen modernising the industry and aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. They urged Nigerians to reject attempts to discredit them.

As the strike date approaches, stakeholders across the industry are on high alert, with concerns that any disruption in fuel supply could have significant economic implications.

Also, reacting to the planned strike action, the DTCDA said while it is not joining issues with the NUPENG as there is no basis for that, the DTCDA is committed to the transparent, accountable and good governance of the Association in the promotion and protection of its members welfare ,ensuring safe driving, education, safety and sanity on our highways.

A statement by its national president Barr. Enoch Kanawa, read, “We as stakeholders in the Nigerian transport industry deem it fit to put issues in their proper perspectives so that the public are not being manipulated and taken for a ride because the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the freedom of Association for persons to voluntarily choose who and whom to associate or partner with.More so that the Nigerian economy is fully deregulated.

Kanawa, said DTCDA is an Association and not a union and it is an Organization of all drivers both in the wet and dry cargo of the transport sector of which Dangote drivers,MRS and others drivers of established transport companies are members)will cater for the general welfare of their drivers in terms of health,insurance and Pension Benefits especially post retirement.

“The DTCDA is open to all drivers who subscribe to the objectives of the Association and who are desirous of a better working life during and after retirement.This is to give them and their families a guaranteed future.

“The DTCDA will not interfere with the operation of any organization,Union or Association in Nigeria rather,drivers should be allowed to have a freedom of choice on which Union or Association that can best serve their interests in the course of the legitimate pursuit of their driving experience. Any person that is licensed to drive a heavy duty vehicle should be matured enough both physically, mentally and emotionally to discern which organisation can best serve his/her own interests,” the statement read.

Kanawa, urged the federal government and its agencies to take every measure necessary to prevent any one organisation trying to recruit membership by coercion thereby breaching the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of association,thought and expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

“The DTCDA is in full support of the deregulation of the downstream sector of the Nigerian economy and the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President of which our members are poised to play an integral role in the distribution of goods and services throughout the country.

“The DTCDA believes that any action against the smooth flow of petroleum products in the country is a disservice, flagrant abuse of the power of Unionism and should be condemned by all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.