NUPENG barricade Dangote Refinery fuel loading disruption
The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has reinforced its blockade at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, escalating the standoff with management over recent towing threats issued against its members. The union barred non-union trucks from loading fuel at the facility, intensifying the disruption of operations at Africa’s largest refinery.
Union officials stated that the barricade was necessary to protect the rights of their members after repeated warnings about attempts to tow away trucks belonging to unionized drivers. They accused refinery security of targeting NUPENG members in what they described as acts of intimidation.
Truck drivers loyal to NUPENG maintained that only vehicles under the union’s umbrella would be allowed to load products from the refinery. This move has already slowed operations and raised concerns over possible fuel supply disruptions across parts of Nigeria.
Refinery officials have yet to issue a formal response to the renewed blockade, but industry observers warn that the standoff could escalate if a resolution is not reached. Analysts note that the dispute underscores the growing tension between organized labour and management within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
