The standoff in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector is set to escalate as major industry associations have declared support for the strike action earlier announced by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
The Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) said they will join the industrial action over the Dangote Refinery’s plan to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution across the country.
NOGASA Orders Members to Halt Supplies
Speaking at a joint press briefing on Monday, NOGASA President, Bennett Korie, directed petroleum suppliers to suspend deliveries to end users—including telecommunications firms, hotels, and construction companies—starting from 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, if government-led negotiations fail to yield results.
Korie warned that Dangote’s direct distribution strategy could lead to widespread job losses and loss of business opportunities for existing players in the value chain.
> “It is hereby directed that all oil and gas suppliers to construction companies, industries, hotels, and telecommunications sites nationwide should withdraw their services from tomorrow until this matter is resolved. We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and facilitate dialogue between downstream stakeholders and Dangote Refinery,” he said.
PETROAN Raises Industry Concerns
Also speaking, PETROAN President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, argued that while Dangote’s trucks may appear beneficial in the short term, they pose long-term risks to the downstream sector.
“So 4,000 trucks will go to 4,000 stations—how long will that last? Did we not see the same trucks distributing cement across the country? Has that reduced the price of cement? We must protect this industry to safeguard Nigeria’s energy security,” Gillis-Harry stated.
He assured NUPENG members working at retail outlets that they would not lose their jobs for participating in the strike, stressing the need for all stakeholders to meet urgently and resolve the dispute.
NARTO Rejects Free Distribution Model
On his part, NARTO President, Yusuf Lawal Othman, strongly opposed any plan that sidelines existing transport operators in the distribution network. He warned that any attempt at free or exclusive distribution by Dangote would be firmly resisted.
Call for Government Intervention
All three associations reaffirmed their respect for Dangote Refinery’s role in reshaping Nigeria’s oil sector but insisted that its distribution model threatens the survival of thousands of businesses. They urged the federal government to step in before the strike action disrupts petroleum supply nationwide.
