Petroleum marketers have threatened to halt operations nationwide from Tuesday, September 9, 2025, unless the Federal Government resolves the dispute between the petroleum workers’ union, NUPENG, and the Dangote Refinery.
The dispute revolves around Dangote Refinery’s plan to introduce 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks for nationwide fuel distribution.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Abuja, leaders of the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), Petroleum Products Retail Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), and Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) said they support the refinery’s operations but insisted it should not undermine their businesses.
They urged Dangote Refinery to concentrate on running its facility efficiently while giving room for other stakeholders to operate in the downstream sector. NOGASA President, Mr. Beneth Korie, warned that marketers risk being driven out of business if the refinery is permitted to supply products directly to retailers.
Korie stated that, “NOGASA acknowledges and is proud of the refinery’s role in enhancing Nigeria’s petroleum industry. However, our members have raised concerns regarding the effects of direct supply to end-users such as telecommunication sites, hotels, and construction companies.
“As responsible employers, we are particularly worried about the loss of supply opportunities and job losses that could jeopardize livelihoods across the distribution value chain. We formally requested a meeting with Dangote Petroleum Refinery to address these issues, but we have yet to receive a response.”
He further warned that marketers might have no option but to withdraw their services nationwide in solidarity with NUPENG if the dispute remains unresolved.
“It is hereby directed that all oil and gas suppliers to construction companies, industries, hotels, and telecommunication sites nationwide should withdraw their services effective tomorrow, September 9, 2025, pending when the matter is resolved.
Backing the strike, the President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Mr. Billy Gillis-Harry, said marketers were compelled to act in order to safeguard jobs in the sector.
Describing the Dangote Refinery as “our pride,” Gillis-Harry emphasized the need for shared prosperity across the industry. “We want Dangote Refinery to be successful, but we want to succeed with him. Every segment of the industry should be successful, whether it is NARTO with transport owners, PTD of NUPENG in charge of drivers, NOGASA supplying diesel and heavy fuel to industries, or PETROAN, the last critical mile, ensuring quality products reach retail outlets at affordable prices.
“There will be job losses if this plan goes ahead. We don’t want to sack anyone, which is why we are crying out now for government intervention,” he said.
On his part, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Mr. Yusuf Lawal Othman, warned that tanker owners who operate about 30,000 trucks nationwide risked losing their investments.
“While we recognize and appreciate new investments in petroleum distribution, NARTO strongly rejects any plan for free distribution of petroleum products. Such an approach is unsustainable and a deliberate attempt to undermine thousands of independent transporters who form the backbone of Nigeria’s distribution network,” Othman stated.
At present, NARTO members operate over 30,000 trucks nationwide, employing thousands of drivers, assistants, and service providers. These operations sustain millions of dependents and are backed by significant financial commitments from banks, marketers, and depot owners,” Othman stated.
