Lagos, Nigeria — The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a vital faction within the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), have launched a strong denunciation of the union’s national leadership, calling for the immediate arrest of key executives whom they accuse of reckless and destabilizing behaviors threatening Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
In a statement jointly issued by Chief (Mrs) Blessing Dafinone (Warri PTD) and Comrade Joseph Dagogo-Jack (Port Harcourt branch), the drivers accused NUPENG President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale of poor union management, intimidation of members, and undermining national economic progress.
Their anger was fueled by NUPENG’s planned nationwide strike set to start on Monday, September 8, protesting reforms in the downstream petroleum sector.
They opposed NUPENG’s stance against Dangote Refinery’s plan to import 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks for direct fuel distribution.
According to PTD, the Dangote-Dantata initiative is forward-thinking, aiming to increase efficiency, eliminate illegal levies, and generate jobs. They labeled NUPENG’s resistance as selfish, hypocritical, and harmful to the nation.
“This threat to strike is callous and malicious. A responsible union seeks negotiation, not sabotage,” the statement asserted. “NUPENG leaders are economic saboteurs exploiting the union for personal gains.”
The PTD also accused NUPENG leaders of corruption, stating that the union is now plagued by lawsuits, divisions, and administrative failure.
They claimed that large sums collected as dues from drivers have not been used for welfare or training, with many drivers earning less than ₦50,000 monthly and some without regular pay.
In a rare move, the PTD urged the Federal Government, National Assembly, and security agencies to intervene decisively, including arresting NUPENG leaders to prevent unrest.
“No union is above the law. NUPENG must not be allowed to destabilize the oil sector’s peace and progress,” they warned.
The tanker drivers praised Dangote and Dantata as patriotic businessmen modernizing the sector in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
With the strike date near, industry stakeholders remain on high alert due to concerns that fuel supply disruptions could severely impact the economy.
By Enoch Odesola | September 8, 2025
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