NUPENG calls on fuel distributors to reject Dangote’s ‘Greek’ gift
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) has downplayed the free petrol distribution offer announced by the Dangote refinery.
Williams Akporeha, NUPENG president, signed a statement on Friday to warn distributors of the Greek gift offered by Dangote refinery, asking that it should be rejected.
On Thursday, the refinery announced that the free direct supply of petrol would begin in 11 states.
However, the petroleum association have called on distributors to reject the gift which is a capitalist movement aimed to exploit the economy.
“It is a Greek gift. The aim is to weaken NUPENG and its Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch.
“The intention is to make only Dangote drivers, forced into the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association, remain in work,” the statement warned.
Speaking further, the union also accused the refinery of blocking staff from joining unions which almost ended in a strike.
Tension between the two sides has been rising. On September 11, NUPENG put members on red alert for a possible strike after a clash involving MRS Oil drivers.
“Nigerians should not support any work arrangement that denies drivers and other workers freedom of association,” the statement added.
However, Dangote refinery denied forcing drivers to waive union rights, calling NUPENG’s accusation false.
The group further alleged that Dangote has been sponsoring division within its drivers branch since 2023 and ordering removal of NUPENG stickers from trucks.
