NUPENG & DANGOTE

The Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), representing Dangote truck drivers, has called on the federal government to uphold the constitutional right to freedom of association as tensions rise between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Group.

The statement comes after NUPENG threatened industrial action over alleged anti-union practices by Dangote Refinery and MRS Oil boss, Sayyu Dantata.

NUPENG’s Allegations

NUPENG, in a statement signed by its President, Williams Akhoreha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, accused the two businessmen of attempting to monopolise fuel distribution in Nigeria while suppressing workers’ rights.

The union alleged that drivers recruited for the Dangote Refinery’s 4,000 newly acquired Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks were being compelled to sign undertakings not to join existing oil and gas unions.

NUPENG warned that if the practice continues, it would mobilise its members for industrial action “within the framework of the law.”

DTCDA’s Position

In response, the DTCDA, led by its National President, Enoch Kanawa, distanced itself from NUPENG’s claims, stressing that drivers have the right to freely choose which organisation to join.

“The Constitution guarantees the freedom of association. The DTCDA is an association and not a union, open to all drivers in wet and dry cargo sectors, including those working with Dangote, MRS, and other companies,” the statement said.

The group emphasised that its role is to secure welfare packages, health, insurance, and pension benefits for drivers, while also promoting road safety and professionalism.

It maintained that drivers should not be coerced into membership of any union, urging the federal government to prevent “breaches of constitutional freedoms.”

Wider Implications for the Oil Sector

The dispute comes at a critical time, following Dangote Refinery’s June announcement that it would commence large-scale distribution of petrol and diesel nationwide from August 15, 2024, using its new CNG-powered trucks.

The refinery says the initiative is designed to ease fuel supply nationwide and support the federal government’s energy transition plans.

However, NUPENG has maintained that attempts to exclude its members could destabilise fuel distribution across the country.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene to avert a crisis in the oil sector.