Petrol Tanker Drivers Reject NUPENG Strike Notice

The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) have urged members to ignore a strike notice issued by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over claims that Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tanker drivers at the Dangote refinery were barred from joining labour unions.

NUPENG had announced that affected workers would down tools from 8 September. But in a statement, PTD Warri Zone Chairperson, Chief (Mrs) Blessing Dafinone, and Port Harcourt Zone Chairman, Comrade Joseph Dagogo-Jack, described the notice as “insensitive” and “unacceptable.”

The PTD stressed that union membership is voluntary and called on leaders to engage in dialogue rather than threats or strikes. The association noted that Dangote refinery’s plan to import 4,000 CNG-powered trucks to distribute fuel directly to retailers is in the public interest.

“Unions should be socially responsible, not self-centred, and avoid actions that could undermine the nation’s socio-economic achievements,” the statement said.

The PTD also accused NUPENG of failing to promote peace and harmony in the petroleum sector.