Truck Drivers Reject NUPENG’s Planned Strike Against Dangote Refinery

|By Adejumo Adekunle

Truck drivers under the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) have rejected the planned nationwide strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) scheduled to begin Monday, September 8, 2025.

NUPENG had directed its members to down tools over alleged anti-labour practices at the Dangote Refinery. But reacting in a statement on Saturday, DTCDA President, Barrister Enoch Kanawa, described the strike move as “uncalled for” in a deregulated downstream sector.

Kanawa insisted that the action contradicts the constitutional freedom of association guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution, stressing that drivers should have the right to decide which union or association best serves their interests.

“The DTCDA will not interfere with any organisation, union or association in Nigeria. Drivers must be allowed the freedom of choice, and any attempt to obstruct petroleum distribution amounts to an abuse of union power,” the association stated.

The group urged the Federal Government to intervene and stop NUPENG from embarking on the strike, warning that halting petroleum supply would inflict hardship on Nigerians and disrupt economic activities.

DTCDA reaffirmed its support for the deregulated downstream sector and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda, pledging that its members remain committed to sustaining fuel distribution across the country.

This comes after petroleum tanker driver stakeholders also rejected NUPENG’s strike notice, urging members to ignore the directive.