The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has appealed to oil sector unions to prioritize dialogue as tensions mount over looming industrial actions that could disrupt fuel supply nationwide.
The call follows a strike notice by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), which has announced it will begin a nationwide shutdown on September 8 to protest Dangote Refinery’s policy restricting drivers from union membership. In parallel, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has declared a three-day suspension of fuel dispensing and unloading operations starting September 9. These developments were reported by Punch and TheCable.
Speaking in Lagos, DAPPMAN Chairperson Dame Winifred Akpani urged both unions to “sheath their swords” and engage constructively with stakeholders, warning that escalation could jeopardize energy security and investor sentiment in the downstream sector. Her appeal was highlighted by Channels TV.
Analysts caution that prolonged strikes could disrupt distribution chains, worsen inflationary pressures, and complicate Nigeria’s efforts to stabilize its deregulated downstream oil market. They note that with the economy already strained by high import costs and currency volatility, dialogue between unions, marketers, and policymakers will be crucial to avert widespread disruption.
