Nigeria gears up for fuel scarcity as multiple stakeholders join tanker strike

Nigeria is set for a rough few months of fuel scarcity as the ongoing conflict between the Dangote Refinery and several tanker drivers’ unions continues. The Unions accuse Dangote of not allowing workers the right to unionize, which Dangote has vehemently denied. The unions launched the planned strike when Dangote announced it would be deploying over 4,000 trucks to service large-scale operations and customers across the country. Nigeria has huge natural oil resources that have enveloped the nation for generations, and the government has stepped in to find an amicable solution to the strike.

Dangote has bypassed several thousand workers, says NUPENG

That is what the unions involved in the planned strike claim. Dangote has announced the deployment of 4,000 natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution, which the union says will put several thousand workers at risk of losing their employment. NUPENG states that they supported Dangote during the construction of the refinery and did not expect to be thanked in this way.

NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, accused Dangote of anti-labour practices. This is not taken lightly by the Nigerian government, which was hoping for the situation to sort itself out without any government intervention. However, when it became clear that neither side was willing to budge on their stance, an intervention was needed.

The Nigerian government has stepped in as a mediator

When these types of labor disputes reach a fever pitch, the local government often needs to step in to serve as a mediator between the parties involved. NUPENG has stated they did not expect Dangote to “monopolise distribution, crush competition, enslave the sector, and raise prices.” Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, confirmed on Sunday that his ministry had invited all parties to a conciliation meeting in Abuja.

“I plead with the unions to give peace a chance. I assure them that this matter will be resolved amicably,” – Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi

The conflict has revealed the division in the trucking sector as several unions have supported Dangote’s plans to deploy the CNG trucks into the market. The Minister has released a statement aimed at calming the nation as it faces serious fuel scarcity if the strike takes place.

I have invited all the parties for a conciliation meeting tomorrow, Monday, September 8, 2025. Since I have intervened, I plead with NUPENG to rescind their decision to shut down the petroleum sector from tomorrow. I also appeal to the NLC to withdraw the red alert it issued to its affiliate unions to be on standby for a nationwide strike in solidarity with NUPENG. I plead with the unions to give peace a chance. I assure them that this matter will be resolved amicably to the satisfaction of all the parties involved. – Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi

The people of Nigeria will be hoping that the government intervention can produce results

Nigeria is a challenging place to try to do business. The socio-economic problems that the region faces have led to thousands of Nigerians opting to immigrate to other countries in search of greener pastures. However, Nigeria still has one of the biggest economies in Africa, and the people of Nigeria are known for their spirit and determination in the face of adversity. While the strike has been paused pending the outcome of the meeting hosted by the government, the people of Nigeria are left in limbo and wonder how they might survive such an impactful fuel shortage if the strike moves forward. With the meetings set to take place as soon as possible, a resolution might be closer than you think.