Dangote Says Tanker Drivers’ Strike Won’t Affect Fuel Supply
The refinery says operations continue smoothly as talks with NUPENG and government proceed, dismissing claims that workers were barred from unionising.
The Dangote refinery has assured Nigerians that petrol supply will remain stable despite an ongoing strike by fuel tanker drivers. The refinery’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, said operations are running smoothly and negotiations with the union, government, and company are still in progress.
The strike, which began on Monday, has attracted solidarity from the Nigeria Labour Congress, international unions, and rights groups. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) accused the refinery of hiring new drivers on the condition that they avoid union membership, a claim Dangote has dismissed as false.
Since commencing operations last year, the 650,000-barrels-per-day refinery has reshaped Nigeria’s downstream market, lowering petrol prices but sparking concerns over monopoly. Plans to roll out thousands of compressed natural gas-powered trucks have faced delays, creating tension among long-established tanker operators.
Chiejina insisted that workers’ rights were not under threat, calling the union’s allegations an attempt at blackmail.
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