The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has officially shut down several fuel depots nationwide, intensifying fears of looming fuel scarcity across the country.
This drastic move follows the union’s insistence on going ahead with its strike action after talks between the Federal Government and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, reportedly dragged without resolution.
NUPENG is demanding better working conditions, protection of its members’ jobs, and fairness in the oil and gas downstream sector. The union argues that monopoly tendencies in the sector—particularly linked to the operations of the Dangote Refinery—must be urgently addressed to safeguard the future of workers and the economy.
With depots sealed, fuel supply is expected to tighten in the coming days, sparking concerns of long queues, black market activities, and possible hikes in transportation and commodity prices.
The Federal Government, however, has appealed for calm, urging NUPENG to reconsider its decision while negotiations continue.
Analysts warn that if the impasse is not resolved quickly, Nigerians may face another round of economic hardship triggered by fuel scarcity.
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Source: Punch News
