NLCGA Stands in Solidarity with Dangote Refinery Against NUPENG-PTD
The Nigerian Liquefied & Compressed Gases Association (NLCGA) has declared its firm support for Dangote Refinery in the face of ongoing disruptions from the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), particularly its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch.
According to the association, NUPENG’s practices have become not only extortionate but also highly damaging to Nigeria’s economic progress, especially within the downstream oil and gas sector.
Extortionate Practices by NUPENG
NLCGA revealed that NUPENG now extorts as much as ₦72,000 from Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) truck drivers before they are allowed to load products at terminals. Just two years ago, the illegal fees were less than ₦30,000.
The association estimates that over ₦3 billion is extorted annually from LPG operations alone. In the last 24 months, these illegal charges have risen by more than 20%—a burden that continues to drive up costs for end-users, even as the government works hard to reduce the price of cooking gas.
Dispute with Dangote Refinery
The current face-off between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery centers on unionization rights. While NUPENG accuses the refinery of anti-union practices, Dangote Refinery insists it respects constitutionally protected labour rights.
Despite a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between both parties, NUPENG has allegedly continued to disrupt operations. NLCGA warns that such actions, if unchecked, could result in nationwide fuel shortages and wider economic instability.
NLCGA’s Position
NLCGA reaffirmed its solidarity with Dangote Refinery, describing NUPENG-PTD’s conduct as harmful to both the industry and the nation’s economic well-being.
The association called on NUPENG to embrace dialogue and honor existing agreements instead of resorting to disruptive practices. It also urged the federal government to take decisive steps to curb these illegal activities carried out under the guise of unionism.
According to NLCGA, safeguarding the interests of Nigerian workers and the broader economy requires ensuring that union activities are conducted lawfully and without undermining national stability.
