The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has dismissed recent allegations of illegal collections at petroleum depots, describing them as blackmail aimed at tarnishing the union’s image and swaying public opinion against it.
The union, currently at loggerheads with Dangote Refineries over unionization, alleged that several false claims are being circulated on social media, including accusations that it aids smuggling, collects levies on every litre of petroleum products, and is part of a cabal responsible for the collapse of government-owned refineries.
According to NUPENG, the smear campaign is fueled by those aggrieved over the union’s “victory in the battle for unionization” against Dangote Refineries. The union argued that it has become a soft target because of the visible impact of its strikes on national life.
“They are pained by our victory over unionization battles and are out for revenge by attacking our reputation. Please don’t be depressed by these lies. Social media is full of ignorant people who post anything,” the statement read.
NUPENG clarified that several associations operate within the downstream oil sector—such as Truck Owners, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and Major Marketers—each collecting dues from their members. However, only NUPENG’s Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) are singled out for criticism.
The union explained that its members, who are employees of truck owners and marketers, pay dues that fund:
- Quarterly safety trainings in collaboration with FRSC, Police, Fire Service, and other agencies.
- Health insurance for tanker drivers through Leadway Health, as employers do not provide coverage despite the hazardous nature of the job.
- Security support on highways to combat truck hijacking, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
NUPENG added that major marketers, independent marketers, and truck owners also pay dues at depots through a central collection system handled by PTD-NUPENG.
The union further alleged that some industry stakeholders support its resistance against what they described as Dangote’s “imminent takeover,” but cannot openly challenge him.
“The issue of collections at the depots is simply blackmail. With public opinion already biased, there’s hardly any way we can defend ourselves,” NUPENG maintained.
