NARTO Supports NUPENG, Faults Dangote Over Monopoly Claims

The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has thrown its weight behind the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in its ongoing dispute with the Dangote Group over alleged monopolistic practices in the downstream oil and gas sector.

NUPENG had on Friday announced plans to begin a nationwide strike on Monday, September 8, protesting what it described as anti-union labour practices linked to the Dangote Refinery’s deployment of newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks for direct distribution of petroleum products.

According to Dangote, the initiative is designed to cut logistics costs, improve efficiency, promote sustainability, and boost Nigeria’s economic development. However, NARTO, in a statement signed by its National President, Othman Yusuf, on Sunday, rejected the plan, warning that the free distribution model is unsustainable and threatens the survival of over 30,000 independent transporters operating across the country.

“NARTO wishes to inform all stakeholders and the general public of its firm support for NUPENG in the struggle against monopolistic and anti-competition practices being advanced by the Dangote Group in the downstream sector. While we acknowledge new investments in petroleum distribution, we categorically reject any plan for free distribution of petroleum products,” the statement read.

The association stressed that such a move would undermine Nigeria’s petroleum distribution network, jeopardize investments financed by local and international banks, and wipe out jobs for drivers, mechanics, loaders, and others who depend on the sector for survival. It warned that large-scale unemployment resulting from this could fuel insecurity and instability nationwide.

NARTO further cautioned that concentrating petroleum distribution in the hands of one company could compromise energy security, create a monopoly, and enable future price manipulation and supply restrictions.

Citing Section 212 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the regulatory guidelines of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), NARTO emphasized the need for a level playing field in the downstream sector to safeguard fair competition and consumer protection.

The group therefore urged the federal government, its relevant agencies, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), and the Dangote Group to engage in dialogue with all stakeholders to prevent unfair competition and protect the welfare of millions of Nigerians who rely on the petroleum transport and distribution chain.

“NARTO reiterates its full support for NUPENG in this struggle. Our collective action is not against investment or industrial growth, but against monopolistic practices that endanger jobs, national security, and the overall economy,” the statement concluded.