The Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP) has distanced itself from the planned strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and allied unions, stressing its support for the new distribution system introduced by Dangote Refinery.
National President of ADITOP, Alhaji Lawan Dan-Zaki, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
NUPENG had earlier announced that its members would embark on a nationwide strike from Monday, warning of an impending fuel scarcity. The union said the action was in protest against alleged anti-labour practices linked to the deployment of newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks by Dangote Refinery for the direct distribution of petroleum products to end users.
The Dangote programme, according to the company, is designed to reduce logistics costs, improve energy efficiency, support sustainability, and promote Nigeria’s economic growth by bypassing traditional layers of distribution.
Reacting, Dan-Zaki described the proposed strike as “uncalled for,” insisting that ADITOP fully supported the new initiative, which he said would transform Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
“We, members of ADITOP, hereby inform the general public and the federal government that we dissociate ourselves from any intended strike or disruption by NUPENG and its cohorts. We intend to continue moving petroleum products across the country without fear of molestation,” he said.
He added that the Dangote distribution scheme would not only sanitise the system but also help stabilise supply and distribution, while creating jobs and new skills for millions of Nigerians.
“ADITOP is in support of any petroleum products distribution scheme aimed at distributing products to the end users seamlessly and promoting economic development,” Dan-Zaki stressed.
Industry observers note that the divide between ADITOP and NUPENG highlights growing tensions in the oil and gas sector as new technologies and business models reshape the industry. Dangote’s direct distribution plan, backed by its fleet of CNG-powered trucks, is seen as a bold move to cut costs and improve efficiency in Nigeria’s petroleum logistics chain.
However, NUPENG argues that the move threatens existing jobs in the traditional tanker truck system, raising fears of job losses among its members. The union has therefore insisted that it would resist any attempt to sideline workers without proper consultations and protections.
Meanwhile, ADITOP’s decision to support Dangote signals the emergence of new alliances in the downstream sector. By aligning with the refinery, ADITOP believes it is positioning its members to benefit from the efficiencies and innovations that the new system offers.
Analysts say the federal government may need to intervene to prevent disruptions in supply and to ensure that the transition to new distribution models does not cause further instability in the petroleum sector. With Nigeria still heavily reliant on road-based distribution networks, any strike or disruption risks plunging the country into fuel scarcity, with ripple effects on businesses and households nationwide.
Dangote Refinery, which commenced operations this year, has been at the centre of major shifts in Nigeria’s oil industry. Beyond refining capacity, its direct distribution initiative is being presented as part of a wider reform effort to ensure that petroleum products reach end users at lower costs. The use of CNG trucks also aligns with the federal government’s push for cleaner energy solutions and reduced dependence on diesel-powered logistics.
For now, Nigerians will be watching closely how the standoff between NUPENG and Dangote plays out, and whether ADITOP’s support for the scheme will be enough to maintain stability in the supply chain.
