NUPENG Denies Smuggling Allegations, Calls Claims “Blackmail and Propaganda”

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has rejected what it described as a deliberate campaign of blackmail, misinformation, and lies aimed at tarnishing its reputation, particularly on social media.

In a circular to its members, the union dismissed as “pure propaganda” allegations that its officials aid petroleum smuggling, collect ₦1 on every litre of products entering Nigeria, or operate as part of a “cabal” accused of sabotaging government-owned refineries.

According to NUPENG:

“There is a lot of blackmail, distortion of facts, and misinformation circulating on social media about us. Those behind these attacks are pained by our victory in the unionisation battles against them, and they are out for revenge by maligning our reputation and activities.”

The union urged members not to be discouraged, stressing that “social media is full of uninformed people who can post anything without facts or accountability.”

It listed recent “falsehoods” — including claims of smuggling, levies on every litre of fuel, and involvement in refinery sabotage — as attempts to mislead the public.

Role of unions at depots
NUPENG clarified that employees in the downstream petroleum sector, such as tanker drivers, depot staff, and marketers’ employees, mostly work in the informal economy. It noted that several associations operate at depots, including the Truck Owners Association, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and Major Marketers Association, all of which collect dues from members.

However, because Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a NUPENG branch, are more visible, the public often assumes NUPENG is solely responsible.

Why strikes draw backlash
The union argued that Nigerians show little empathy when tanker drivers strike, unlike other unions such as ASUU, NASU, or NMA, whose prolonged strikes do not immediately affect daily business and income.

“Employers also dislike negotiating with us, so everything negative is thrown our way,” NUPENG said.

Use of dues
The circular explained how dues collected by PTD-NUPENG are used:

• Safety training: Regular zonal programmes in partnership with FRSC, police, fire service, and VIO.
• Health insurance: A scheme with Leadway Health Insurance for tanker drivers, who lack employer-provided cover.
• Highway security: Mobilisation of security agencies to protect drivers from kidnappers and criminals.
• Union administration: Supporting day-to-day operations.

NUPENG added that other associations, such as truck owners and marketers, also collect dues, but their collections are less visible. Payments are made by truck owners and marketers at depots on behalf of all stakeholders.

Blackmail over ‘depot collections’
The union maintained that the so-called “depot collections scandal” was fabricated to discredit it.

“The so-called ‘depot collections scandal’ is simply blackmail aimed at discrediting us, and it is impossible to defend ourselves against an already biased public opinion.”

NUPENG further alleged that some marketers and truck owners quietly support its resistance against attempts by a powerful group to dominate the system, though they cannot act openly.