DAPPMAN

The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has appealed to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) to step back from their planned industrial actions and embrace dialogue in the interest of national stability.

In a statement on Sunday, DAPPMAN’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, warned that rising tensions in the downstream oil and gas industry could disrupt the supply and distribution of petroleum products nationwide.

NUPENG had accused the Dangote Refinery of exploitative labour practices, which it likened to “modern-day slavery”, and vowed to commence a nationwide strike on Monday, September 8, 2025. The refinery has yet to respond to the allegation.

Similarly, PETROAN announced plans to suspend the lifting and dispensing of petroleum products for three days beginning Tuesday, September 9. Its National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, said the move was aimed at resisting monopolistic practices in the sector and safeguarding workers’ rights. The group stressed that the action would be peaceful and lawful.

The Federal Government, through the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, also appealed to the unions to reconsider their plans. In a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Patience Onuobia, the government urged NUPENG to shelve its strike and called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to withdraw the “red alert” it had issued to its affiliates. Dingyadi noted that the ministry was already intervening in the dispute and urged restraint.

DAPPMAN, in its statement, emphasised the need for industrial harmony, warning of the severe consequences of any strike on ordinary Nigerians, businesses, and government revenue.

“As responsible stakeholders in this vital sector of the Nigerian economy, we recognise the central importance of industrial harmony to the stability of the industry, the protection of jobs, and the sustenance of revenues accruable to the nation. The potential impact of any strike on ordinary Nigerians, businesses, and government finances cannot be overstated,” the association said.

It urged the Federal Government to intervene swiftly, stressing that constructive engagement was the only path to lasting solutions.

“DAPPMAN humbly urges all parties to sheath their swords, avoid actions that could escalate the situation, and allow room for negotiations that will address concerns in a fair, balanced, and sustainable manner,” it added.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to working with government, labour unions, and investors to sustain investment, protect workers’ rights, and guarantee uninterrupted fuel supply nationwide.