NUPENG Denies Depot Collections Allegation, Describes Claims As Blackmail
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has dismissed allegations of collecting levies at petroleum depots, describing them as blackmail aimed at tarnishing its image and swaying public opinion against the union.
In a statement on Sunday, the union, which is currently at loggerheads with Dangote Refineries over unionisation, alleged that a campaign of misinformation and distortions was being spread on social media.
“They are pained by our victory in the unionisation battle and are out for revenge by attacking our reputation and activities,” NUPENG said.
The union insisted that contrary to claims that it aids smuggling or imposes a levy of N1 on every litre of petroleum product, its dues are strictly union contributions used for training drivers on safety, health insurance, and security on highways.
According to NUPENG, several associations, including truck owners and petroleum marketers also collect dues from their members at depots, but only its members are singled out for criticism.
“Nigerians do not share empathy with unions whose strikes inconvenience them.
Unlike other unions, our industrial actions directly affect daily business and mobility, so the attacks are always heavier on us,” the statement read.
The union further accused some stakeholders of aligning with Dangote in an attempt to weaken its influence in the downstream sector.
“The issue of collections at depots is nothing but blackmail. There is no way to defend against an already biased public opinion,” it added.
