DAPPMAN Calls for Calm, Dialogue to Prevent Fuel Supply Disruptions Amid Sector Tensions
The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has raised the alarm over rising tensions in the downstream oil and gas sector, warning that any move towards industrial action could trigger widespread fuel shortages and threaten the nation’s fragile economic stability.
In a statement issued on Monday, the association described the situation as “deeply concerning,” stressing that the downstream segment is a critical lifeline for both businesses and households. A disruption in fuel supply, DAPPMAN cautioned, would not only affect millions of Nigerians who rely on petroleum products daily but also deal a severe blow to government revenue and industrial productivity.
“As stakeholders with a mandate to safeguard energy security, we must prioritize industrial harmony,” the association said. “The ripple effects of any strike action would be devastating—not just to marketers, but to the broader economy and ordinary citizens across the country.”
The group is urging all parties to exercise restraint and return to the negotiation table, pointing out that constructive dialogue remains the most effective path to resolving grievances. DAPPMAN also called on the Federal Government to intervene swiftly, ensuring that all concerns raised by labour unions and other stakeholders are addressed in a fair and timely manner.
Beyond averting an immediate crisis, the association emphasized the importance of creating a stable operating environment that protects jobs, reassures investors, and ensures the uninterrupted flow of petroleum products nationwide. According to DAPPMAN, sustained collaboration among government regulators, marketers, labour leaders, and investors will be critical to achieving this balance.
“Industrial peace is the foundation upon which the oil and gas sector thrives,” the statement noted. “We must avoid actions that inflame tensions and instead focus on solutions that guarantee long-term stability and fairness for all stakeholders.”
Reaffirming its commitment to partnership and progress, DAPPMAN pledged to continue working closely with the Federal Government and other key players to build a resilient downstream sector that serves the collective interests of Nigerians.
The association ended with a strong appeal for calm, urging stakeholders to place national interest above short-term disputes. “Our collective goal must be to safeguard jobs, protect national revenue, and ensure that every Nigerian continues to have access to petroleum products without disruption,” DAPPMAN stressed.
