The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has raised an alarm about the activities of certain petroleum products smugglers and scammers posing as legitimate marketers and transporters. In a recent statement, the Union urged the government and the public to remain vigilant against these individuals who seek to exploit Nigerians, especially following the removal of subsidies on petroleum products, which has made smuggling less profitable.
Warning Against Exploitation
NUPENG’s leadership, represented by President Prince Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, emphasized the danger posed by unscrupulous individuals advertising themselves as members of a fictitious association claiming to serve both as transporters and marketers in the oil and gas sector. The Union characterized these individuals as “failed rent seekers in the subsidy regime” who disguise themselves as legitimate businesspeople.
“The general public and government institutions are hereby warned and strongly advised to be wary of these individuals who are desperately seeking ways and means to continue to exploit Nigerians and collecting rents in other manners since the current administration removed subsidy from petroleum products,” the statement read.
Recognizing Legitimate Associations
NUPENG reaffirmed its recognition of legitimate associations in the oil and gas sector, including:
- National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO): The legitimate umbrella body for transporters in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, which has a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with NUPENG on behalf of Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PTD).
- Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN)
- Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN)
- Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN)
These organizations are acknowledged for their respected roles in the downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
Upholding Labor Laws
NUPENG also emphasized that Nigerian labor laws recognize only two umbrella bodies for oil and gas workers: NUPENG and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). These unions are tasked with representing and protecting the job interests of workers in the oil and gas industry, including Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), as outlined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In light of these developments, NUPENG urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities to help curb the exploitation of Nigerians in the petroleum sector.