Segun Atanda/
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has urged Nigerians not to be swayed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s decision to begin free nationwide delivery of petroleum products, describing the move as a “Greek gift” that threatens jobs and competition in the downstream sector.
Dangote had announced that from September 15, 2025, it would deliver petroleum products free of charge to dispensing stations across the country, while also introducing a new price template.
Under the arrangement, retail prices of petrol have been adjusted in several states, with the ex-depot price fixed at N820 per litre.
NUPENG, however, raised strong objections, warning that the initiative is designed to edge out independent petroleum truck drivers whose livelihoods depend on paid deliveries.
The union alleged that only drivers directly employed by Dangote, who are compelled to join the company’s Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), would benefit, while thousands of others risk losing their jobs.
It further accused the refinery of resisting workers’ right to unionise, despite a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between both parties on September 9.
According to NUPENG, Dangote violated the MoU two days later by directing that NUPENG stickers be removed from its trucks and replaced with those of the DTCDA, in a move the union said was meant to weaken its presence among tanker drivers.
Dangote has denied the allegations, insisting that it does not infringe on workers’ rights and that union membership remains voluntary. It dismissed claims of anti-competitive practices as “recycled falsehoods.”
Amid the rising tensions, reports indicate that the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) have invited both parties to another round of talks to resolve the impasse. This follows an earlier meeting convened by the DSS, during which NUPENG and Dangote had reached a mutual agreement before the latest dispute erupted.
The outcome of the fresh talks is expected to determine whether the standoff will escalate into industrial action or be settled through dialogue.
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