Tanker drivers, Lagos govt meet over strike action on alleged extortion

The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) says it is in discussions with the Lagos State Government to resolve the ongoing dispute over the towing of tanker trucks, which has led to fuel distribution disruptions and raised concerns about worsening scarcity.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday, NUPENG’s general secretary, Olawale Afolabi, said the union withdrew its services in response to the recent arrests and alleged harassment of tanker drivers by Lagos State security personnel.

“We had instructed tanker drivers not to travel at night to avoid accidents and hijackings, but when drivers parked to rest, security personnel towed their vehicles, arrested our members, and even damaged the union’s patrol vehicle,” said Tayo Aboyeji, chairman of NUPENG’s Lagos chapter.

Read also: Petrol queues resurface as tanker drivers’ strike lingers

The conflict began on February 22 when the Lagos State Task Force impounded several tankers and arrested members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association, a branch of NUPENG, near the Dangote Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki for parking on the highway.

Afolabi assured that negotiations with state authorities were progressing and that the government had promised to release the impounded trucks.

“There are ongoing discussions, and if they are completed today or tomorrow, the issue will be resolved,” he added.

Aboyeji explained that the union had previously warned drivers against night operations for safety reasons. However, those who stopped to rest were still targeted by enforcement officers.

“As a result, we decided to suspend services in the state until the government is ready to provide a safe and convenient space for tanker drivers, ensuring that such incidents do not occur again,” he stated.