The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has called on the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), to sheath their swords, avoid actions that could escalate the situation, and allow room for negotiations that will address concerns in a fair, balanced, and sustainable manner.
The Association’s plea contained in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole on Sunday, noted that rising tension among stakeholders in the downstream oil and gas industry, and the possibility of an industrial action could disrupt national petroleum supply and distribution. NUPENG had alleged anti-labour practices against Dangote Refinery. It confirmed plans to begin a nationwide strike on Monday, September 8, 2025, after accusing Dangote Refinery management of allegedly fostering exploitative labour practices reminiscent of modern-day slavery.
The Refinery has yet to respond to the allegation. PETROAN also announced plans to suspend the lifting and dispensing of petroleum products for three days beginning on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The association’s National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, disclosed this in Abuja.
According to a statement by its National Public Relations Officer, Joseph Obele, the association said the action would be effective at midnight on Tuesday if the consultations expected to be held from Sunday through Monday failed. It said the three-day shutdown was aimed at resisting monopolistic practices in the petroleum downstream sector and safeguarding workers’ rights. PETROAN noted that the action would be peaceful and lawful, restating its commitment to price stability and a productive industry.
The Federal Government, however, in a statement on Sunday, urged NUPENG to reconsider its decision, according to a statement by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi. The statement signed by the head of information in the ministry, Patience Onuobia, also appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to retract the red alert it issued, which urged its affiliate unions to prepare for a nationwide strike in support of the petroleum workers protesting what they describe as the Dangote Group’s anti-worker and anti-union practices.
The minister stated that, with the ministry’s ongoing intervention in the matter, all unions involved should postpone any plans to disrupt the petroleum sector.
