The rift between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery escalated into the threat of a nationwide strike. At the heart of the dispute are accusations of anti-union practices, broken agreements, and fears of job losses in Nigeria’s already fragile downstream oil sector.
The flashpoint lies in NUPENG’s claim that Dangote Petroleum Refinery is blocking new truck drivers from unionising. The union alleges that drivers are being compelled to sign contracts barring them from joining any labour body, an act it says strips workers of their constitutional right to freedom of association.
The dispute intensified with Dangote’s unveiling of a new fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks, designed to transport petroleum products directly from the refinery to the market. While the refinery presents this as innovation and efficiency, NUPENG sees a threat. For decades, its members have been the backbone of fuel distribution in Nigeria, and the union has not hesitated to resort to strikes whenever it believes those jobs or rights are under pressure.
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