NLC Supports NUPENG Strike as Tanker Drivers Rebel Against Union

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced its support for a proposed strike by the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), taking a stand against what it perceives as an anti-worker agenda by the Dangote Group. This declaration comes amidst rising tensions as some factions within the transportation sector voice their opposition to the strike, highlighting deep divisions within the industry.

In a statement, NLC President Joe Ajaero urged all branches of the organization to remain vigilant and ready to mobilize against perceived injustices. He called for an end to practices he described as anti-union and anti-worker, specifically targeting the operations of the Dangote Group, which oversees significant segments of Nigeria’s oil and gas sectors. Ajaero emphasized the need for the immediate unionization of the Dangote Refinery and related entities.

In contrast, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a segment of NUPENG, have publicly criticized the union’s national leadership. They accuse its executives of mismanagement and jeopardizing the economic stability of the nation. Leaders within the PTD, including Chief Blessing Dafinone and Comrade Joseph Dagogo-Jack, have denounced the strike as “insensitive and wicked,” asserting that responsible unions should prioritize negotiation over confrontation.

The Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) also expressed strong opposition to the planned strike, branding it a disservice to the nation and calling for unity among drivers and industry stakeholders. DTCDA President Enoch Kanawa reiterated that disrupting petroleum distribution is both unconstitutional and exploitative, urging for a more collaborative approach to resolve issues within the sector.

Meanwhile, the Western Zone of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has declared its intention to halt operations starting Monday in solidarity with NUPENG. The decision was confirmed by IPMAN’s Western Zone Chairman, Chief Oyewole Akanni, who cited concerns regarding job security for tanker drivers.

The ongoing conflict highlights a broader struggle within Nigeria’s oil sector, as various factions advocate for their interests. The PTD leaders accused NUPENG President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale of corruption, claiming that their actions threaten the livelihoods of workers and the country’s economic health. They have called on the government and security agencies to intervene, asserting that “no union is above the law.”

The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for potential escalation, with the NLC signaling readiness to engage its full membership in support of the strike. This unfolding drama not only underscores internal divisions within the labor movement but also raises critical questions about the future of labor relations in Nigeria’s vital oil and gas industry.