Edible oil tanker drivers in Nigeria have threatened to embark on industrial action from September 22, citing alleged interference in their operations by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers.
This was disclosed by the General Secretary of the National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria, Tajudeen Usman, at a news conference in Lagos, according to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday.
The union warned that the planned strike could disrupt the transportation and distribution of edible oil should the dispute over union jurisdiction and alleged interference remain unresolved before the deadline.
Speaking on behalf of NUEOTDN President, Ilias Aperun, Usman alleged that the PTD branch of NUPENG had encroached on the union’s jurisdiction, harassed its members and disrupted its activities.
“The National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria (NUEOTDN) says it will commence industrial action on Sept. 22 over alleged interference in its operations,” the NAN report read in part.
Usman further alleged that the Amalgamated Union of Wharf Truck Owners of Nigeria (AUTOWN) was operating within the sector through the Wharf 302 Products and Beverages Association.
He said the union had already sought intervention from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Ministry of Health, security agencies and regulatory authorities, but the matter had remained unresolved.
“Our objective is to protect the legitimate interests of our members and ensure that the transportation of edible oil and food-grade products is carried out in an orderly, safe, hygienic and lawful environment,” he said.
NUEOTDN also renewed its call for dedicated tankers for edible oil, arguing that the use of tankers previously deployed for petroleum products raised food-safety concerns. It warned that failure to address its demands would trigger the strike from midnight on September 22.
NLC calls for government intervention
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Council, has called on the Federal Government to step in before the dispute escalates further.
The NLC Lagos Vice Chairman, Olabisi Idowu, called for a meeting involving the Federal and Lagos State governments, security agencies and the affected unions.
Idowu urged the authorities to clearly define union jurisdictions through the Register of Trade Unions in order to forestall further disputes.
He also appealed to NUPENG’s leadership to address the matter and prevent any crisis capable of disrupting peace in Lagos.
“We will not sit down and allow anybody to create any crisis, especially in Lagos,” he said.
The President of the Marketers and Sellers of Edible Oil Association of Nigeria, Labaran Sidi, also alleged interference with members’ activities at refineries and depots. The association’s Vice President, Victoria Oke, said edible oil tanker operators were distinct from NUPENG, as they transported food products rather than petroleum products.
These concerns come as Lagos has already introduced stricter rules governing the transportation of edible oil.
Earlier in May, Lagos banned the use of petroleum tankers in the edible oil distribution chain, as part of efforts to strengthen transportation safety, hygiene and compliance.
The restriction followed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency and stakeholders, including MASEON, NARTO and the Association of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers under ETD/NUEOTDN.
The agency stated that the agreement mandates the exclusive use of food-grade certified tankers for edible oil transportation, alongside improved hygiene, traceability and operational standards.
This regulatory push also provides context for NUEOTDN’s demand for dedicated edible oil tankers, while the threatened strike raises fresh concerns about possible disruption to distribution.
The potential disruption comes amid existing concerns over the safety of edible oil products in Nigerian markets.
NAFDAC had warned in December 2025 about the circulation of substandard and unregistered edible oils, noting that some products had no identifiable manufacturer or NAFDAC registration numbers.
The agency listed brands including OKI, FINO, SUPER DELICIEX and LA JONIC, and said such products were circulating in cities including Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Onitsha, Aba and Warri.
NAFDAC further warned that unregistered or substandard oils could pose public health risks, underscoring the importance of safe transportation and compliance across the edible oil supply chain.
NUEOTDN has therefore called on the government to resolve the union dispute before September 22 to avert a disruption to edible oil transportation and distribution.
