The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has reaffirmed its decision to commence a nationwide strike on Monday, September 8, 2025, accusing Dangote Refinery of anti-labour practices aimed at undermining workers’ rights.

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by its President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olufemi, the union alleged that the refinery and its management are attempting to impose what it described as “slavery” on Nigerian workers.

NUPENG had earlier directed members to down tools over what it termed oppressive labour practices at Dangote Refinery. While groups such as the Petrol Tanker Drivers and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) opposed the planned strike and urged government intervention, the union dismissed them as “Dangote-sponsored bodies” with no authority to stop its action.

According to NUPENG, the DTCDA was established by business moguls Aliko Dangote and Sayyu Aliu Dantata as a recruiting outfit for 10,000 CNG trucks being imported, compelling drivers to join the association rather than the legally recognised NUPENG.

“For the information of the public, the DTCDA is the association which the Dangote Group of Companies has formed for the drivers to join compulsorily rather than allowing drivers to join NUPENG, which is the only statutorily recognised union authorised to unionise petroleum tanker drivers,” the statement read.

The union stressed that workers’ freedom of association must not be undermined, warning that any attempt to deny such rights is tantamount to modern-day slavery.

“Slavery ended centuries ago, but some unscrupulous capitalists are making efforts to bring it back. Any worker who cannot exercise the right of association is no better than a slave. Ordinary Nigerians should neither encourage nor support slavish working conditions,” NUPENG declared.

The strike, if carried out, is expected to significantly disrupt fuel distribution across the country.