The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has alerted Nigerians and government institutions to beware of individuals exploiting the recent removal of fuel subsidies by engaging in illegal oil and gas transport and marketing activities.
In a statement signed by National President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG urged the public to disregard any business dealings with unrecognised groups claiming to represent oil and gas transporters and marketers. The union described these individuals as “failed rent seekers” who benefited from the former subsidy regime and now aim to exploit Nigerians through unlawful activities.
NUPENG highlighted the legitimacy of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) as the only recognised bodies in Nigeria’s downstream sector.
The statement further clarified that only NUPENG and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) are recognised by labour laws as representing oil and gas workers in Nigeria, including Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD).
NUPENG warned officials to ignore requests from these unauthorised groups, describing them as “names droppers and unscrupulous individuals” who have attempted to coerce the union into supporting their financial demands at petroleum depots.
The union concluded by urging government institutions and the public to denounce these groups, stating they are “mischief-makers” contributing to the country’s economic challenges through their exploitative schemes.