The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has announced a nationwide strike starting Monday, September 8, 2025, in protest against alleged “modern slavery” practices at Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest petroleum refinery.
In a joint statement issued on September 7, 2025, by NUPENG President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olufemi, the union accused the Dangote Group of barring drivers of its 4,000 CNG-powered trucks from joining any union, a move the union strongly opposes.
NUPENG specifically condemned the creation of the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), calling it a management-backed outfit aimed at weakening union influence.
The union insists that DTCDA is not a legitimate union but rather a vehicle formed to restrict drivers’ rights to free association.
NUPENG labeled the development as an attempt to impose exploitative labor conditions, warning that “any worker who cannot exercise the right of association is no better than a slave.”
Despite opposition to the strike by both DTCDA and the Petrol Tanker Drivers arm, NUPENG has vowed to remain united and defend workers’ rights.
NUPENG called on the public to stand against what it terms a dangerous return to “slavish” working conditions in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The management of Dangote Refinery is yet to respond to these allegations.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
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