Looming Oil Crisis in Nigeria: DSS, Police Alerted as NUPENG Alleges Plot to Break Its Rank

• NUPENG has accused unnamed groups of plotting to destabilise its Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch by promoting a fictitious “elders’ forum”
• The union warned the public and media to disregard any communications from the so-called PTD Elders
• This comes as the oil sector faces further tension, with PENGASSAN launching a nationwide strike over the alleged unlawful dismissal of hundreds of workers

Abuja, FCT - The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Sunday, September 28, accused unnamed groups of trying to destabilise its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch by promoting a fictitious “elders’ forum,” and urged security agencies to intervene.

NUPENG President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale said in a statement that the union had uncovered “faceless groups and individuals” operating under the banner of “PTD Elders” or “PTD Leaders” to mislead the public and sow confusion in the oil and gas sector.

“These individuals are paid agents of unconscionable capitalists with filthy wealth accumulated over workers’ labour,” the statement said.

The union said the so-called PTD Elders were “fraudulent, illegitimate and acting with criminal intent,” warning the public and media to disregard any communications from the group.

“For the record, the only constitutionally elected executive of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of NUPENG is led by Comrade Augustine Egbon as National Chairman,” the statement added.

NUPENG calls for security action

NUPENG urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to treat the impersonators “as the criminals they are” and to identify, arrest and prosecute those behind the alleged plot.

The union linked the alleged scheme to earlier attacks on its leadership, including an incident in Abuja on November 1, 2023, for which suspects are currently facing criminal charges.

“This is a continuation of the evil machinations of those who want to exterminate NUPENG at all costs,” the statement said.

The oil workers’ union directed stakeholders in the petroleum supply chain to engage only with the officially recognised PTD leadership.

“All legitimate engagements with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers must be conducted only through the office led by Comrade Augustine Egbon,” it said.

Petrol scarcity looms as PENGASSAN declares strike

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigeria may be heading into another round of fuel scarcity as PENGASSAN declared a nationwide strike against Dangote Refinery. The move follows the alleged unlawful dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers by the $20 billion refinery facility, which PENGASSAN described as a brazen attack on labour rights.

In a resolution issued after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Saturday, September 27, PENGASSAN accused Dangote Refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws, the Constitution, and international conventions by sacking staff for joining the association.

The unilateral action to sack over 800 members of our Association for joining PENGASSAN is an affront to all workers in Nigeria and a deliberate violation of Nigeria’s labour laws, the Constitution, and ILO conventions,” the NEC declared.

Source: Legit.ng