Truck drivers have kicked against the planned strike action by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over its dispute with Dangote Refinery, warning that such a move could hurt the country.
Barrister Enoch Kanawa, President of the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), in a statement on Saturday, criticised NUPENG’s threat to shut down operations starting Monday, 8th September 2025.
NUPENG had accused Dangote Refinery of anti-labour practices and ordered members to down tools. But the truck drivers said the strike call was unnecessary, especially in a deregulated downstream oil sector where workers should be free to choose their associations.
“The Nigerian Constitution guarantees the freedom of association. Drivers should be allowed to freely choose which union or association serves their interests. Coercion and threats are not acceptable,” the DTCDA said.
They urged the Federal Government to prevent any action that could obstruct the flow of petroleum products, warning that such disruptions would be a disservice to Nigerians.
The DTCDA reaffirmed support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and insisted that its members are committed to ensuring goods and services flow smoothly across the country.
