The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has issued a stern warning to the National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria (NUEOTDN), condemning what it described as “a tissue of lies” published in The Nation newspaper on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Comrade Tope Ajagbe, NUPENG accused NUEOTDN of spreading malicious and misleading allegations deliberately intended to create panic within Nigeria’s product supply and distribution chain.
“We strongly urge the Federal Government, law enforcement agencies, regulatory authorities, and other critical stakeholders to treat this orchestrated falsehood as an act of economic sabotage,” the union declared, stressing that NUEOTDN must be cautioned against overheating the polity and maligning NUPENG’s reputation.
NUPENG emphasized that its operations are conducted in strict compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory frameworks, working closely with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and other statutory agencies. The union noted that its drivers undergo regular training, inspections, and certification to ensure adherence to national and international best practices.
The statement further highlighted NUPENG’s efforts to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes involving NUEOTDN and the Amalgamated Union of Wharf Truck Owners of Nigeria/Wharf 302 Products and Beverages Association of Tanker Drivers, who operate dedicated food-grade trucks. According to NUPENG, NUEOTDN has consistently rejected conciliation efforts and continues to spread misinformation.
NUPENG categorically condemned NUEOTDN’s claims, reaffirming its status as a legally recognized and responsible union committed to professionalism, integrity, and the welfare of Nigerians.
“It is important to emphasize that any petroleum tanker found engaging in illegal activities, particularly in the lifting or distribution of edible products, must be apprehended by law enforcement agencies and made to face the full weight of the law. NUPENG remains a law-abiding union and will not condone any member involved in acts of illegality,” the statement concluded.
See full statement below:
NUPENG Warns NUEOTDN Over Malicious Attacks, Urges Government and Stakeholders to Address Economic Sabotage
The attention of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has been drawn to the tissue of lies recently circulated by the National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria (NUEOTDN).
Their baseless allegations, seen in the online edition of The Nation newspaper of Wednesday, September 16, 2026, are malicious, misleading, and deliberately intended to create panic within Nigeria’s product supply and distribution chain.
We strongly urge the Federal Government, law enforcement agencies, regulatory authorities, and other critical stakeholders to treat this orchestrated falsehood as an act of economic sabotage. NUEOTDN must be cautioned to desist from overheating the polity and maligning the reputation of NUPENG.
It is important to note that NUPENG leadership has consistently sought peaceful resolution of disputes between NUEOTDN and the Amalgamated Union of Wharf Truck Owners of Nigeria/Wharf 302 Products and Beverages Association of Tanker Drivers, who operate dedicated food-grade trucks. Unfortunately, NUEOTDN has repeatedly rejected conciliation efforts and continues to spread misinformation.
NUPENG operations are conducted with strict compliance to all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory frameworks. We work closely with Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and other statutory agencies to ensure our practices meet the highest standards of public safety and consumer protection.
Our drivers undergo regular training, inspections, and certification to guarantee adherence to national and international best practices.
We categorically condemn NUEOTDN’s falsehoods and reaffirm that NUPENG remains a legally recognized and responsible union committed to professionalism, integrity, and the welfare of Nigerians.
We call on the Federal Government, regulators, law endorsement agencies and the public to disregard these unfounded claims and recognize NUPENG as a union that stands for responsibility, compliance, and national development.
It is also important to emphasize that any dedicated petroleum tanker found engaging in illegal activities, particularly in the lifting or distribution of edible products, must be apprehended by law enforcement agencies and made to face the full weight of the law. NUPENG remains a law-abiding union and will not condone any member involved in acts of illegality.
