The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has suspended its strike following an agreement with the management of Dangote Refinery to recognise workers’ rights to unionise.

Thanks to the intervention of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.

The Acting NLC General Secretary, Benson Upah, who confirmed the outcome of the meetings said that the agreement was reached on Tuesday, September 9, 2025..

The resolution followed a conciliation meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on Monday, September 8, after NUPENG threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over the company’s initial refusal to recognise workers’ union rights.

… As PTD Passes Vote of No Confidence on NUPENG Leaders

The Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP) has levelled serious allegations against the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), accusing it of extortion and excessive levy collections within the downstream petroleum sector.

In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, ADITOP’s National President, Alhaji Lawal Dan-zaki, strongly dissociated the association from the purported strike action by NUPENG, declaring that ADITOP was originally established to counter what he described as the “excesses” of NUPENG, Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), and other groups allegedly collecting illegal levies under NUPENG’s cover.

Dan-zaki alleged that for the past five years, ADITOP had submitted several petitions to top government agencies—including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation—accusing NUPENG of extortion and illegal financial practices.

According to him, NUPENG and its affiliates impose unauthorized levies on petroleum product distributors, including a charge of ₦1 per litre on every product loaded at depots, and an additional ₦1 per litre by marketers, alongside loading fees ranging between ₦80,000 and ₦100,000 per truck.

“This is outright extortion and economic sabotage by NUPENG, PTD, and their affiliated unions and associations,” Dan-zaki stated.

The allegations surfaced just days after the Lagos Zone of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG passed a vote of no confidence on the union’s national leadership. The vote targeted NUPENG National President, Comrade (Prince) Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale, accusing them of “greed, impunity, manipulation, and gross incompetence.”

The internal dissent follows rising tensions over reported resistance by Dangote Refinery and MRS Holdings Limited to unionize their drivers and the rollout of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks for nationwide fuel distribution.

Dan-zaki concluded that while NUPENG continues to feed off these alleged illegal levies, it remits no tax revenue to the federal government, further exacerbating challenges in the downstream sector.

The Nigeria Customs Service has appointed Comptroller Wale Adenuga as the new Area Controller for the Seme Command, following the redeployment of Dr. Benedict Oramalugo, who was recently promoted to Assistant Comptroller General.

The development was announced in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Sulaiman, on Tuesday in Lagos.

Speaking during the official handover, Comptroller Adenuga commended his predecessor for laying a solid foundation and pledged to focus his leadership on trade facilitation, enhanced security collaboration, and improved stakeholder engagement.

“Trade facilitation is my keyword,” he said. “With accurate declarations from stakeholders, cargo clearance can happen quickly. When trade flows smoothly, we boost revenue and reduce smuggling activities.”

Adenuga also assured that the Command would intensify collaboration with key government agencies including the DSS, Police, Immigration, NDLEA, NAFDAC, and the military to strengthen border security and foster a more conducive environment for legitimate trade.

He emphasized the importance of stakeholder relationships, pledging open lines of communication with traditional leaders, youth groups in Badagry, and the media. He also reaffirmed his commitment to discipline and professionalism within the service.

“My doors are open. I will lead by example to ensure that officers stay focused, disciplined, and committed. Together, we will uphold the values of the Nigeria Customs Service and make the Comptroller General, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, proud,” he stated.

Adenuga praised CGC Adewale Adeniyi, who also serves as the President of the World Customs Organisation Council, describing him as an exemplary leader whose standards will guide the Seme Command’s operations.

In his farewell address, Dr. Oramalugo expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve at the Seme border, calling the handover a moment of “mixed emotions”—relief at a successful tenure and sadness at leaving a team he had grown fond of.

He listed some of his key achievements, including:

• Effective suppression of smuggling with major seizures
• Improved revenue collection
• Smoother trade processes for legitimate businesses
• Stronger ties with security and regulatory agencies

Oramalugo also thanked the Customs management and stakeholders for their support and encouraged continued cooperation with the new controller.