Dangote Refinery: Truck drivers fault NUPENG’s strike threat, ask Nigerian Govt to intervene

Truck drivers have kicked against the planned strike action by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, over a disagreement with Dangote Refinery.

Barr Enoch Kanawa, President of the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association, DTCDA, made this known in a statement on Saturday.

This comes after NUPENG directed members to down tools on Monday, 8th 2025, over alleged anti-labour practices by the management of Dangote refinery.

Reacting, DTCDA said NUPENG’s position to embark on strike is uncalled for in a deregulated downstream sector and contradicts freedom of association enshrined in Nigeria’s 1999 constitution.

“That while not joining issues with the NUPENG, as there is no basis for that, we as stakeholders in the Nigerian transport industry deem it fit to put issues in their proper perspectives so that the public are not being manipulated and taken for a ride because the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the freedom of association for persons to voluntarily choose who and whom to associate or partner with. More so because the Nigerian economy is fully deregulated.

“The DTCDA will not interfere with the operation of any organisation, union or association in Nigeria; rather, drivers should be allowed to have a freedom of choice on which union or association can best serve their interests in the course of the legitimate pursuit of their driving experience. Any person that is licenced to drive a heavy-duty vehicle should be mature enough physically, mentally and emotionally to discern which organisation can best serve his/her own interests,” the association stated.

DTCDA urged the Federal Government and its authorities to do everything to prevent NUPENG from carrying out the planned strike action.

The truck drivers stressed that any action to obstruct the smooth flow of petroleum products in the country is a disservice and a flagrant abuse of the power of unionism and should be condemned by all Nigerians and the general public.

“The DTCDA therefore urges the Federal Government and its agencies to take every measure necessary to prevent any one organisation from trying to recruit membership by coercion, thereby breaching the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of association, thought and expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

“The DTCDA is in full support of the deregulation of the downstream sector of the Nigerian economy and the Renewed Hope agenda of the president, in which our members are poised to play an integral role in the distribution of goods and services throughout the country,” a statement by the DTCDA added.

DAILY POST reports earlier that stakeholders of Petroleum Tanker Drivers had also kicked against NUPENG, calling on members to ignore the strike notice.

Dangote Refinery: Truck drivers fault NUPENG’s strike threat, ask Nigerian Govt to intervene