The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), says its members have suspended services following recent incidents involving the arrest and harassment of tanker drivers by Lagos State security personnel.
The development has caused looming of fuel crisis.
The Union however disclosed that its officials and government were already in negotiations to prevent disruptions in fuel distribution, which could lead to widespread scarcity.
NUPENG’s General Secretary, Mr Olawale Afolabi, who disclosed this in Lagos, assured that ongoing talks with State authorities would facilitate the release of the impounded trucks, in line with the government’s assurances.
The Lagos State Task Force had on Saturday, February 22, 2025, impounded several tankers and arrested members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Association, a branch of NUPENG, for alleged illegal parking near the Dangote Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki.
Afolabi confirmed that negotiations between NUPENG and the Lagos State Government were progressing, with both sides optimistic about reaching a resolution that would allow depot operations to resume.
He, however, noted that the outcome of the discussions remains uncertain, and stakeholders are keenly awaiting further updates.
Also speaking, the Chairman of NUPENG, Lagos branch, Tayo Aboyeji, reiterated that the suspension of services was a response to the mistreatment and arrest of tanker drivers.
He clarified that the union had previously instructed drivers to avoid night operations due to safety concerns, including accidents and hijackings.
“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.
“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,” he said.
