The Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP) has publicly opposed the strike action declared by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), aligning instead with Dangote Refinery’s new fuel distribution model.
NUPENG had earlier announced its intention to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Monday, citing concerns over alleged anti-labour practices following the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks for direct product distribution. The union warned that the protest could trigger nationwide fuel shortages.
But ADITOP President, Alhaji Lawan Dan-Zaki, dismissed the strike as “uncalled for,” telling the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that his association supported Dangote’s direct-to-market strategy.
“ADITOP is in support of any petroleum products distribution scheme aimed at ensuring seamless delivery to end users and promoting economic development,” Dan-Zaki said.
He argued that the refinery’s approach would enhance supply stability, reduce distribution bottlenecks, and generate new employment opportunities. “With this transformation, the industry will be sanitised, and millions of unemployed Nigerians will gain jobs and new skills,” he added.
Dan-Zaki assured that ADITOP members would continue transporting petroleum products nationwide, regardless of NUPENG’s position.
Dangote Refinery’s initiative is designed to reduce logistics costs, improve sustainability, and strengthen Nigeria’s energy sector—a strategy ADITOP insists will benefit both industry players and consumers.
