The Federal Government has begun urgent talks with stakeholders in the downstream oil sector as threats of a nationwide strike by fuel retailers and petroleum workers loom, raising concerns over potential disruptions to Nigeria’s fuel supply this week.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) confirmed on Monday that it is in consultations with government officials over the union’s planned three-day suspension of operations beginning midnight Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Speaking during a televised interview, PETROAN President Billy Gillis-Harry said the strike was prompted by concerns over what the association describes as monopolistic practices by the Dangote Refinery, particularly its reported plan to dominate all tiers of the fuel distribution chain.
“We’ve raised concerns over the lack of clearly defined roles in the sector. The Dangote Refinery appears poised to control refining, logistics, and retail an arrangement that could edge out other players and destabilize the market,” Gillis-Harry said.
He, however, noted that the Federal Government has initiated discussions aimed at resolving the standoff.
Threat of Lockdown as Fuel Workers Signal Warning
The strike threat is not limited to retailers. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has also issued a warning strike notice, citing alleged anti-labour practices at the Dangote Refinery.
In a statement signed by NUPENG President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olufemi, the union accused the refinery of suppressing workers’ rights and preventing unionization a move they likened to “modern-day slavery.”
“There is no actual strike yet, but NUPENG’s warning highlights how serious the situation has become. If unresolved, the impact on nationwide fuel supply will be severe,” said Gillis-Harry.
He warned that any full-blown strike action by NUPENG would directly affect PETROAN’s operations, as most of their workers are members of the union.
PETROAN’s Demands: “Define the Rules, Don’t Crush Competition”
PETROAN alleges that the Dangote Group is attempting to bypass the traditional supply chain by directly supplying fuel to retailers using 4,000 new compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks, which began operations in August.
Gillis-Harry emphasized that while PETROAN welcomes Dangote’s contribution to the industry, fair competition and defined industry roles are crucial for stability.
“We are not against Dangote. In fact, we want the refinery to succeed. But there must be a level playing field. No one player should control refining, storage, transport, and retail all at once,” he said.
Labour Ministry Steps In
Amid rising tensions, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, has appealed to all parties to exercise restraint and allow ongoing consultations to yield results.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s head of information, Patience Onuobia, the minister called on NUPENG and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend all planned industrial actions, noting that disruptions to the fuel supply chain would hurt the broader economy.
“The Federal Government is committed to resolving this dispute. We ask all stakeholders to give room for dialogue and avoid actions that could destabilize the petroleum sector,” Dingyadi said.
What’s At Stake?
At the core of the crisis are:
- Allegations that Dangote Refinery seeks to control refining, distribution, logistics, and retail
- Accusations that Dangote is blocking workers from joining unions
- PETROAN’s claim that the monopoly could lead to unregulated pricing
- NUPENG’s assertion of labour rights violations
- Government’s concern over fuel scarcity and economic fallout
What Happens Next?
- If talks fail, PETROAN will begin its 3-day shutdown from Tuesday at midnight
- NUPENG’s strike warning may escalate if grievances remain unaddressed
- The next 48 hours are crucial, as the government ramps up negotiations with all parties, including the Afro-billionaire Dangote Group, which has yet to publicly respond
