The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has fiercely condemned a group claiming to represent oil and gas transporters and marketers, denouncing them as “failed rent-seekers” and “smugglers” profiteering from Nigeria’s subsidy regime. According to NUPENG, this so-called association is merely a cluster of individuals who previously thrived on subsidies and smuggling but are now scrambling to find new ways to exploit Nigerians after the subsidy removal made their smuggling schemes unprofitable.
In a statement signed by NUPENG President Williams Akporeha and Secretary General Afolabi Olawale, the union declared that this group has no legal recognition or legitimacy within the industry. NUPENG urged government bodies and the general public to be vigilant, warning that these “unscrupulous and dangerous individuals” are intent on manipulating unsuspecting Nigerians.
NUPENG clarified its legally recognized affiliates in the industry, including the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN). These groups, NUPENG affirmed, are well-respected and legitimate entities within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, unlike the unauthorized group in question.
Further emphasizing its role, NUPENG reminded the public that only NUPENG and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) are recognized by Nigeria’s labor laws as the official representatives of oil and gas workers.
This legal foundation, NUPENG asserted, safeguards the rights and interests of the industry’s workers, including petroleum tanker drivers, as outlined in Nigeria’s constitution.
In its statement, NUPENG also cautioned individuals and public officials not to be drawn into associations with the unrecognized group. Labeling the members of this group as “name-droppers and mischief-makers,” NUPENG accused them of contributing to Nigeria’s economic hardship. The union expressed frustration over repeated attempts by these individuals to coerce NUPENG into allowing illicit fees to be collected at petroleum depots, stating that their latest actions are merely desperate tactics of blackmail.
NUPENG called on Nigerians to reject any invitations or communications from this unauthorized group, describing their activities as schemes to continue reaping unearned profits at the expense of the nation’s economy.
