…As calls mount on Presidency, Regulators to intervene
By Olakunle Oke
Marketers and energy experts in Nigeria are warning of severe economic fallout if the planned strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) goes ahead.
Industry sources caution that loading at depots could come to a standstill by Monday, leading to queues at filling stations in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other major cities within 24 to 72 hours. Independent outlets, already under pressure from slim profit margins, may be the first to ration supply or close early.
Rising retail prices are also expected. Past strikes have fuelled black-market premiums within days, and marketers fear the same scenario could unfold if the dispute is not swiftly resolved.
Energy consultant and Chairman of International Energy Services Ltd, Dr Diran Fawibe, warned that the strike would hit consumers hard. “Nigeria is still very sensitive to supply shocks in petrol. Any stoppage in loading will instantly reflect in scarcity and panic buying. Government must not allow this confrontation to escalate,” he said.
Petroleum economist Prof Wumi Iledare observed that the dispute reflects deeper structural tensions. “The Petroleum Industry Act envisioned a competitive downstream with space for big investors like Dangote. But competition must not undermine labour rights. A balance is required, or the refinery’s integration model will continue to meet resistance,” he explained.
Downstream analyst Adebayo Adeniyi also pointed to underlying supply risks. “Dangote’s trucks and direct-to-station model will reduce costs, but unions fear job losses. Government must mediate carefully to safeguard efficiency gains while protecting livelihoods,” he noted.
NUPENG has directed its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch to commence a nationwide strike on Monday. The union accuses Dangote Refinery and MRS of anti-labour practices, alleging that newly recruited tanker drivers are being compelled to sign undertakings barring them from joining any union.
In a strongly worded statement signed by President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG described the situation as an assault on workers’ rights. “Drivers are being forced to sign an undertaking not to belong to any existing union… we will not stand idly by while the livelihoods of thousands of workers are destroyed,” the statement declared.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind NUPENG, condemning the alleged actions as a “full-blown declaration of war against trade unionism.” NLC President Joe Ajaero called on government to act urgently, warning that the practice was “crude and dangerous” and risked igniting widespread unrest within the labour movement.
Independent marketers are equally concerned. The National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Abubakar Maigandi, said the group is appealing for dialogue. “We are still appealing… we want the Presidency to wade in,” he said.
The Western Zone of IPMAN adopted a tougher stance. Its Chairman, Oyewole Akanni, warned that members were prepared to shut down operations in solidarity with tanker drivers. He cautioned that Dangote and MRS’ entry into direct retail distribution “could jeopardise over 4,000 trucks” and threaten the job security of drivers.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) also demanded urgent intervention. National President Dr Billy Gillis-Harry said: “This is a looming danger… we are calling on the President, NMDPRA, NSA, IG and DSS to bring all parties to the roundtable before noon Monday.”
However, not all drivers are backing the strike. The Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) rejected NUPENG’s directive, insisting that drivers should be free to choose their associations. “We support deregulation and continuity of supply,” its President, Enoch Kanawa, said.
Some factions within the Petroleum Tanker Drivers have also counselled restraint, advising members to ignore the strike order. This division reveals cracks within driver ranks at a time of mounting pressure.
Attention is now shifting to regulators. Stakeholders are pressing the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to hold emergency meetings, maintain minimum loading levels, and provide security escorts on vital fuel corridors to avert a crisis.
The outcome of government mediation will determine whether the downstream sector slips into another cycle of scarcity and instability.