Fuel Scarcity Looms as NUPENG Tanker Drivers Set for Strike

Tension Rises as NUPENG tanker drivers Plans Fuel Strike Over Dangote Dispute

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has announced a nationwide strike starting Monday, September 8, 2025, accusing Dangote Refinery of stopping drivers of its new CNG trucks from joining unions.

According to NUPENG, this is a direct attack on workers’ rights and could destabilize the oil and gas sector. The union warned that if the strike goes ahead, Nigerians should expect serious fuel shortages.
However, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch has distanced itself from the move, urging members to ignore the strike order and calling it reckless. Some civil groups have also cautioned that the action could hurt the economy and put citizens under pressure.

On the other side, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind NUPENG, vowing to mobilize in solidarity and urging the government to intervene.

If unresolved, the strike could cripple fuel distribution nationwide, spark long queues at filling stations, and trigger a sharp rise in pump prices.