The Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP) has distanced itself from NUPENG’s planned nationwide strike and declared full support for Dangote Refinery’s direct-to-market distribution model.
NUPENG had threatened to commence an indefinite strike from Monday, citing alleged anti-labour practices linked to the deployment of compressed natural gas-powered trucks by the refinery for the direct distribution of petroleum products. The union warned that the action could result in widespread fuel scarcity.
In a statement on Monday in Abuja, ADITOP National President, Alhaji Lawan Dan-Zaki, described the proposed strike as unnecessary and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to uninterrupted product supply across the country.
“We, members of ADITOP, hereby inform the general public and the federal government that we dissociate ourselves from any intended strike or disruption by NUPENG and its cohorts. We intend to continue moving petroleum products across the country without fear of molestation,” he said.
Dan-Zaki explained that Dangote’s direct distribution initiative was a transformative step for the downstream sector, noting that it would eliminate unnecessary logistics costs, enhance energy efficiency, and stabilize product availability nationwide.
According to him, the programme also supports Nigeria’s broader economic development goals and creates new employment opportunities.
“Dangote’s efforts will sanitise the industry, stabilise supply and distribution, and provide jobs and new skills to millions of unemployed Nigerians. ADITOP is in support of any petroleum products distribution scheme aimed at delivering products seamlessly to end users while promoting economic growth,” he added.
The endorsement from ADITOP comes at a time of heightened labour tensions, but it underscores the growing industry alignment with Dangote Refinery’s strategy of bypassing intermediaries and delivering petroleum products directly to consumers.