The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has formally declared its support for the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in its nationwide strike action against alleged anti-union labor practices linked to the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks by the Dangote Refinery.
In a statement issued by PETROAN National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, the association announced a three-day forewarning of suspension of lifting and dispensing petroleum products, beginning Tuesday morning. This action, PETROAN emphasized, is a stand against monopolistic tendencies and in favor of healthy competition in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
“PETROAN underscores its commitment to advancing the interests of Nigerian citizens in the pricing stability of the petroleum sector and promoting a stable and productive industry,” said Gillis-Harry.
The strike notice follows NUPENG’s announcement of a nationwide industrial action starting Monday, September 8, in protest of Dangote’s plan to deploy 10,000 CNG-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution. NUPENG alleges that drivers recruited for these trucks were required to sign agreements excluding union membership, a move the union describes as unconstitutional and in violation of international labor conventions.
PETROAN warns that the aggressive distribution strategy by Dangote Refinery could displace thousands of workers, including depot owners, modular refinery operators, truck drivers, and retail marketers, potentially triggering mass unemployment and economic instability.
The association has called on President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intervene urgently. PETROAN also appealed to the Group CEO of NNPC Limited, the Director-General of DSS, and the Inspector General of Police to help avert the looming crisis.
“Nigerians should be vigilant and not be swayed by promises that may seem beneficial in the short term but could have long-term negative consequences,” Gillis-Harry cautioned, referencing past monopolistic trends in the cement industry.