The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a critical branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), have openly challenged the union’s national leadership, demanding the arrest of its top executives over alleged misconduct and actions they described as “reckless and destabilising.”
In a statement jointly signed by Chief (Mrs) Blessing Dafinone of the Warri PTD branch and Comrade Joseph Dagogo-Jack of the Port Harcourt branch, the tanker drivers accused NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, of mismanaging the union, intimidating members, and undermining Nigeria’s economic stability.
The PTD’s anger is tied to NUPENG’s planned nationwide strike, scheduled to begin Monday, September 8, in protest against reforms in the downstream petroleum sector. At the heart of the dispute is NUPENG’s opposition to Dangote Refinery’s plan to import 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution.
The drivers, however, hailed the initiative, championed by Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, as a transformative step that will improve efficiency, curb illegal levies, and create jobs. They accused NUPENG’s leaders of pursuing selfish interests at the expense of national progress.
“This strike threat is insensitive and wicked. A responsible union explores negotiation, not sabotage,” the PTD leaders declared. “NUPENG leaders are economic saboteurs using the union to pursue personal interests.”
The PTD further alleged widespread corruption within the union, claiming that despite billions of naira collected in dues, members had seen no tangible welfare or training benefits. They revealed that many tanker drivers earn less than ₦50,000 monthly, with some lacking regular salaries altogether.
Calling on the Federal Government, National Assembly, and security agencies to intervene, the PTD urged that NUPENG’s leadership be held accountable to prevent disruptions in the oil and gas sector.
“No union is above the law. NUPENG must not be allowed to destroy the peace and progress in the oil sector,” the group warned.
The tanker drivers praised Dangote and Dantata as patriotic businessmen modernising Nigeria’s petroleum distribution chain in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
With the strike deadline looming, industry stakeholders remain on edge, fearing that any disruption in fuel supply could trigger severe economic consequences nationwide.
