***Says attacks are revenge for Dangote dispute
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has dismissed as “pure blackmail” the allegations that its members collect illegal levies at petroleum depots, calling the claims a calculated attempt to smear its image and sway public opinion against the union.
In a strongly worded statement yesterday, NUPENG accused its detractors—including interests linked to Dangote Refinery—of distorting facts and spreading misinformation in retaliation for the union’s victory in unionization disputes.
“They are pained by our victory over unionization battles against them and are now out for revenge by attacking our reputation,” the statement read.
“Social media is full of ignorant people posting lies that we aid smuggling, collect ₦1 on every litre of fuel, or destroyed government refineries. These are baseless fabrications.”
The union stressed that employees in the downstream oil sector—such as tanker drivers, depot workers, and marketers’ staff—operate largely in the informal sector, where multiple trade unions and associations collect dues. Yet, NUPENG argued, only its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch is being unfairly targeted.
“Truck Owners, Independent Marketers, and Major Marketers all collect dues at depots. PTD-NUPENG simply serves as the collection point for everyone. Why are we singled out?” the union asked.
NUPENG said its levies fund essential services, including. quarterly safety training with FRSC, police, fire service, and traffic agencies, health insurance for tanker drivers, whom employers rarely cover, to prevent accidents caused by untreated illnesses and highway security mobilization, which the union claims it finances to protect drivers from hijackers, kidnappers, and bandits.
The union further alleged that major marketers, independent marketers, and truck owners—unhappy with Dangote’s growing dominance in the sector—quietly support NUPENG’s resistance but are unwilling to confront the refinery giant directly.
“The issue of collections is nothing but a smear campaign,” NUPENG declared. “We cannot defend ourselves against an already biased public opinion, but we will not be bullied out of protecting our members and the industry.”
The dispute comes amid escalating tensions between NUPENG and Dangote Industries, which has resisted unionization efforts at its multi-billion-dollar refinery, fueling wider debates about labor rights and corporate power in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.