The Petroleum Tanker Drivers have urged members to disregard the strike notice issued by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers.

NUPENG had earlier announced that workers would stop operations and begin seeking alternative jobs from September 8, citing alleged attempts by Dangote Refinery to bar its compressed natural gas tanker drivers from union membership.

In a Friday statement, PTD dismissed the directive as “insensitive.”

“This is a clarion call to all Petroleum Tanker Drivers across Nigeria to please ignore the strike notice issued by NUPENG leadership. The purported notice suggested that the industrial action will take effect on Monday, September 8, 2025, this is obviously insensitive, callous, and unacceptable,” the statement reads.

“How could NUPENG condescend so low like this that they didn’t even deem it necessary to explore any option of negotiation or stakeholders dialogue before arriving at this?”

PTD stressed that unions are expected to act with social responsibility rather than self-interest, warning that such actions could undermine the country’s socio-economic progress.

The group further noted that union membership is voluntary worldwide.

The association said Dangote Refinery’s initiative to bring in 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution to retailers is “well on course and designed in the best interest of the public.”

“Negotiations and symbiotic relationships cannot be reached through violence, threats or arrogance, Nigeria is governed under constitutional democracy, these union leaders should note that very carefully,” the PTD said.