New Truck Drivers’ Union Insists on Independence, Rejects NUPENG and PENGASSAN Recognition.

According to the report by Channel TV on Tuesday September 30, 2025, A newly registered association of truck drivers has declared that it does not require recognition or validation from the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to operate legally in the country.

Speaking in an interview, the leadership of the association explained that their registration was duly completed with the appropriate authorities in line with Nigerian labour laws, making their activities legitimate and independent.

According to the spokesperson, suggestions that the new union needed clearance from NUPENG or PENGASSAN to function were misleading and based on “wrong perceptions.” He maintained that no union in Nigeria has the legal right to register another, stressing that the regulatory responsibility rests solely with the federal government and its agencies.

“We don’t need their recognition. NUPENG and PENGASSAN have no authority to register any association in Nigeria. Our union is properly registered, and we are operating within the law,” the spokesperson insisted.

He further challenged journalists and the public to investigate claims that the majority of truck drivers were certified by NUPENG. According to him, such assumptions have contributed to misrepresentation and misunderstanding about the true structure of road transport workers in the country.

“What we want people to understand is that truck drivers are diverse and not all of them are under NUPENG. If you go round and speak to them directly, you will see that our association has strong grassroots support and represents a wide category of operators,” he added.

The spokesperson also criticized the dominance of existing unions in the petroleum and logistics sector, noting that their style of operation often leaves ordinary truck drivers with little voice in decision-making. He said the emergence of the new association was aimed at ensuring inclusivity, fairness, and adequate representation for drivers who feel sidelined.

"Time for pleading is over"- NLC begins mobilization for nationwide strike.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliate unions to commence full-scale mobilization for a nationwide strike against Dangote Group.

Naija News reports that the directive was issued in an internal memo signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on September 29, 2025.

Ajaero accused Dangote of a “deliberate anti-worker crusade” and disregard for Nigeria’s labour laws, stressing that the time for “pleading and fruitless dialogue” with the conglomerate was over and that the moment had come for “decisive, collective action.”

The memo read, “The ongoing disputes with PENGASSAN and NUPENG are only symptoms of a deeper problem: a systemic anti-labour policy of union-busting, worker exploitation, and disregard for the rule of law that defines the Group’s industrial relations practices.

“For too long, the Dangote Group has operated like a state within a state, flouting Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, violating ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and treating our labour laws with contempt. Its facilities have become plantations of exploitation where workers’ dignity is deliberately crushed in pursuit of profit for a few.

“The time for pleading and fruitless dialogue is over. The moment for decisive, collective action is now. All affiliate unions are hereby placed on immediate and full alert, begin vigorous and comprehensive unionisation of all workers within Dangote facilities under your jurisdiction. This is a strategic priority.

“Commence preparations to mobilise members and resources for full-scale, decisive engagement against the Dangote Group’s anti-labour stance.

“The Congress also issued clear demands to the Dangote Group: “Unconditional respect for workers’ right to freely join unions of their choice, an end to intimidation, victimisation, and union-busting activities, and full compliance with Nigeria’s labour laws and institutions.

“To enforce the directive, each affiliate union has been instructed to immediately set up an Action Mobilisation Committee and liaise with the NLC National Secretariat within 72 hours to coordinate strategy, logistics, and communication. Unity of purpose and action is non-negotiable.

“The NLC accused the Dangote Group of operating with impunity, alleging that regulatory authorities had failed to rein in its excesses. The impunity of the Dangote Group must be met with the collective resistance of organised labour. No amount of propaganda or paid agents will stop us from defending workers’ rights, especially in the face of regulatory capture, where the state appears to have abdicated its duty to hold this conglomerate accountable.

“The blood and sweat of Nigerian workers built the Dangote empire; we will not allow it to become a monument to their oppression. Together we stand! Together, we will overcome!”

Obi seeks FG’s intervention, as NLC mobilises for full-blown strike.

The Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, on Monday, began mobilisation of all its affiliate members ahead of a full-blown nationwide workers’ strike, as Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, urged the federal government to urgently resolve the ongoing disagreement between the Dangote Group and the workers in the oil and gas industry to avert a strike.

The NLC, in a letter issued on Monday to all affiliate members, said, “This serves as a formal and urgent request in response to the protracted and deliberate anti-worker crusade being waged by the Dangote Group against the Nigerian working class.”

In the letter signed by Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, the Union noted that the ongoing battle with PENGASSAN, NUPENG and the Dangote group is “merely a symptom of a deeper sickness; a capitalist pathology of union-busting, worker enslavement, and gross impunity that defines the Group’s industrial relations strategy.”

According to the NLC, ” Dangote Group has operated for too long as a state within a state, flouting Section 40 of our Constitution, violating ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and treating our national labour laws with contempt.

” Their facilities are not workplaces but plantations of exploitation, where the dignity of the worker is systematically crushed to maximise profit for the few.

The Union said the time for pleading and endless, fruitless dialogue is over.

The Union, while stating that it is time for decisive, collective action, called for ” total mobilisation of all Unions and workers, adding that ” All aforementioned affiliate unions are hereby placed on IMMEDIATE AND FULL ALERT”

“You are requested to commence, with immediate effect, preparation for a vigorous and comprehensive unionisation of all workers within every Dangote Group facility falling under your jurisdiction. This is a strategic priority.

Why Must Dangote Bully Everybody Out Of Business? They Did It In Sugar And Cement Ogbeifun Reveals.

Brown Ogbeifun, also known as Dr. Louis Brown Ogbeifun, a former President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has accused the Dangote Group of stifling competition and showing disregard for workers’ rights.

Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, September 29, 2025, Ogbeifun, who is also a retired Manager of Employee Relations at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and ex-President of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), emphasized that unionization was a right recognized by Nigerian labor laws.

“Let us get it straight. It is the right of the union to organize by labor laws. What we are seeing here today is an organization that has no respect for human dignity, for worker dignity,” he said.

Responding to questions on whether there had been any engagement with Dangote Refinery before the unions moved to strike action, Ogbeifun insisted that there had been efforts but alleged that some workers were fired simply for joining unions.

“It is not about PENGASSAN or NUPENG. The question is the kind of thing that happened in Dangote as it grew. Why must Dangote organization bully everybody out of business? They did it in sugar. They did it in cement. You saw what happened to BOA in cement. Must we build a monopoly around Dangote organization?” he asked.

Ogbeifun acknowledged Aliko Dangote’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy, especially in oil and gas, but maintained that the group’s approach to labor relations and market dominance raises concerns.

He further stressed that the situation reflects a wider systemic failure:“Both organizations can come together PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and the Dangote Group. What we are seeing today is failure of the conflict resolution system in the country.”

This was How Nigeria's military Head of State, General Sani Abacha (1993-1998) handled strike by labour unions NUPENG & PENGASSAN

Court Restrains NUPENG, Truck Drivers from Industrial Action Against Dangote Refinery, Others.

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued an interim injunction barring the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association from embarking on any strike action or compelling other truck drivers to participate.

The order also prohibits the unions from blocking roads or disrupting the operations of Dangote Refinery, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, and MRS Oil and Gas Company Ltd.

Justice E.D. Subilim delivered the ruling on Wednesday after considering an ex parte motion filed by the refinery’s counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN).

Our Truck Drivers Earn More Than Nigerian Graduates — Billionaire Aliko Dangote.

Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, has disclosed that drivers employed by his company earn higher salaries than many Nigerian graduates.

In a video shared on TVC’s X handle on Tuesday, Dangote addressed allegations by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), which recently accused him and Sayyu Dantata of anti-union practices and attempts to monopolise Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas distribution sector. The union had also threatened a nationwide strike from September 8 in protest against the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks by Dangote Refinery.

Dangote dismissed fears of job losses, stressing that the newly launched trucks would instead create about 24,000 jobs, with each vehicle requiring six personnel.

He added that drivers under his company earn nearly three to four times the national minimum wage, with some making more than graduates.

He further explained that after five years of accident-free service, drivers become eligible for housing loans.

“Our drivers earn more than graduates. If you check their monthly pay, it’s almost four times the minimum wage,” Dangote said.

The industrial action led to fuel scarcity in some parts of the country, as several filling stations were shut. The Aradel refinery in Obele, Port Harcourt, as well as the Kwale Hydrocarbon facility in Delta State, were also closed down.

Last Friday, NUPENG had announced plans to suspend fuel loading nationwide, accusing the Dangote refinery of attempting to prevent its 4,000 truck drivers from joining the union.

Although the Federal Government reached out to NUPENG over the weekend to avert the strike, Akporeha maintained at the time that the action would proceed as planned.

By Monday morning, full compliance was observed as tanker drivers stayed away from lifting fuel. PUNCH Online gathered that petroleum depots across the country were at a standstill, with NUPENG officials monitoring operations to enforce compliance.

In Lagos, Warri, and other major depots nationwide, tanker drivers parked their trucks and awaited further directives on the union’s next steps.

NUPENG Suspends Nationwide Strike.

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has announced the suspension of its ongoing nationwide strike over its dispute with the Dangote Group.
Dangote
Naija News recalls that NUPENG had on Monday declared a nationwide industrial action to protest the refusal of the Dangote Group to allow its workers to join the union, particularly NUPENG.

It was gathered that the strike was called off after parties reached an agreement at a meeting convened by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The meeting was attended by the Ministers of Labour and Finance, as well as officials of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

According to Vanguard, Seyu Dantata led the Dangote management team to the meeting.

Fuel Scarcity Paralyses Enugu As Petrol Stations Shut Amid Nationwide NUPENG Strike

NUPENG Strike Won’t Trigger Fuel Shortage, Dangote Refinery Assures
The Dangote Refinery has assured Nigerians there will be no petrol shortage despite the strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). The refinery’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, said operations remain stable and distribution is ongoing, even as talks continue with unions and the government. NUPENG launched the strike Monday, alleging Dangote barred new drivers from unionising, a claim the refinery dismissed as “cheap blackmail.”

#Dangote #NUPENG #Fuel

FG, Labour Unions’ Meeting Over NUPENG, Dangote Dispute Ends In Deadlock
By Alexander Okere | Updated September 8, 2025

A closed-door meeting convened by the Federal Government to resolve the standoff between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Group ended without agreement on Sunday.

The talks, chaired by Labour Minister Mohammed Dingyadi and his junior counterpart Nkiruka Onyejeocha, sought to avert NUPENG’s planned strike slated for Monday, September 8, over alleged anti-labour practices at the Dangote Refinery.

Present were representatives of NUPENG, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Dangote Group, and MRS Petroleum.

NUPENG had accused the Dangote Refinery of preventing its compressed natural gas (CNG) tanker drivers from unionising, though both the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) distanced themselves from the strike.

Despite appeals from the government to suspend the action due to its potential economic impact, NUPENG insisted on proceeding. Dingyadi warned that shutting down the petroleum sector, even for a day, could cause losses running into billions and worsen hardship for Nigerians.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Femi Falana has declared support for NUPENG’s position.

PETROAN says the Federal Government has begun talks to avert its planned 3-day shutdown of fuel supply starting Tuesday, Sept 9, over alleged Dangote Refinery monopoly. NUPENG also threatens strike, raising fears of nationwide disruption.

#PETROAN #NUPENGStrike #Dangote

Minister of State for Health, Isaq Salako, warns that the planned NUPENG strike could cripple hospitals relying on generators for power. He urges dialogue to avoid disruption.

#NUPENGStrike #HealthSector #Nigeria

FG Urges NUPENG To Suspend Strike, Convenes Meeting Monday

The Federal Government has appealed to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to suspend its planned nationwide strike slated for Monday, September 8, 2025.

Labour Minister Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, in a statement signed by ministry spokesperson Patience Onuobia, urged both NUPENG and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to halt industrial actions while the government intervenes in the dispute with the Dangote Group over alleged anti-union practices.

Dingyadi said a conciliation meeting has been scheduled for Monday, stressing that any disruption in the petroleum sector could cause huge economic losses and hardship for Nigerians.

NUPENG had announced the strike in protest of Dangote Refinery’s reported restrictions on its compressed natural gas (CNG) tanker drivers from joining unions. While some driver associations have distanced themselves from the action, NUPENG on Sunday reaffirmed its readiness to proceed.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, backed the union, arguing that Dangote’s policy violates Nigeria’s Constitution, labour laws, and international conventions on workers’ rights.

Lagos To Begin N10,000 E-Call-Up Fee For Trucks From August 1.

The Lagos State Government and major transport unions have agreed that trucks using the Lekki-Epe corridor will pay a ₦10,000 electronic call-up fee starting from August 1, 2025.

The agreement was reached during a meeting at Dangote Oil Refining Ltd., which was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Transportation, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).

The gathering was convened by the Lagos State Government and supported by Dangote Industries Ltd.

As part of the preparations for the new system, truck operators are required to register and begin onboarding their vehicles before the enforcement date.

The Lagos Ministry of Transportation is expected to launch awareness campaigns to educate truck drivers and union members on the process.

The new arrangement also mandates that only trucks with approved business within the Lekki Free Zone will be allowed access, while others must stay out of the area.

Approved truck parks along the corridor—equipped with CCTV, toilets, and driver lodges—will serve as holding bays.

The ₦10,000 fee will be used to cover logistics, technology, and enforcement.

According to the authorities, no part of the money will go to the state government’s treasury.

This move is aimed at preventing road congestion and safety issues similar to what happened in Apapa.

The Lekki Residents Association had earlier raised concerns about increasing road accidents involving articulated trucks.

The unions involved have pledged to support the process and ensure their members comply with the new rules to avoid penalties.