Nigeria’s fuel supply could be thrown into chaos from Monday, September 8, as the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) prepares to begin a nationwide strike over its dispute with Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The union accuses the refinery of sidelining its members by planning to import 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks for direct distribution without allowing the new drivers to join unions. NUPENG says the move threatens thousands of jobs in its Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch and violates workers’ rights under Nigerian law.

Despite several meetings, the refinery allegedly refused to shift its stance, while MRS—owned by Dangote’s cousin—has reportedly started recruiting drivers under conditions barring union membership. NUPENG insists it will halt fuel loading nationwide if the matter is not resolved.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has backed the strike, accusing the Dangote Group of poor labour practices, including low pay, unsafe working conditions, and denial of union rights. It warned that such policies could set a dangerous precedent for other companies.

Fuel marketers under the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have now appealed to President Bola Tinubu and regulatory agencies to step in urgently, warning that the strike could trigger fuel scarcity and economic disruption.

IPMAN’s Western Zone has already declared readiness to shut down in solidarity with NUPENG, arguing that Dangote’s direct involvement in fuel distribution breaches the Petroleum Industry Act and risks wiping out thousands of existing tanker jobs.

However, the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association has opposed the strike, insisting drivers should be free to choose their own associations.

With both sides refusing to back down and just hours left before the deadline, Nigerians face the threat of another round of fuel shortages unless urgent intervention comes from the presidency.