Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has declared support for the planned strike by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
On Saturday, the association announced a three-day suspension of lifting and dispensing petroleum products, beginning Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
PETROAN’s national president, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, said the decision was a protest against monopolistic threats, particularly “the aggressive business strategies of Dangote Refinery,” which he warned could cripple smaller players such as private depot owners, modular refinery operators, marketers, and transporters.
Dr. Gillis-Harry stressed that such dominance could trigger “widespread unemployment and economic instability,” comparing the situation to the negative effects Nigeria experienced in its cement industry.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum, as well as security and regulatory agencies to act swiftly, “even during their vacations,” to prevent disruptions in product supply.
The PETROAN president further explained that pump attendants at their stations are NUPENG members. “Since petrol attendants belong to NUPENG, their strike action means there will be no workers at our outlets. Station owners are therefore mandated not to dismiss any employee during the strike period,” he clarified.
According to him, PETROAN convened emergency consultations and resolved on compliance strategies, including the deployment of a 120-man watchdog team to safeguard member facilities during the shutdown. The association reiterated its commitment to healthy competition to stabilise the sector and protect the livelihoods of millions who depend on the oil and gas economy.
Dr. Gillis-Harry warned that Dangote’s aggressive push into the market could “push private depot owners, modular refinery operators, marketers, retail owners, truck owners, and truck drivers out of business,” which would in turn “trigger mass unemployment nationwide, with devastating effects on the economy and the livelihoods of Nigerians.”
He urged citizens to be cautious of any initial monopolistic strategy disguised as a “Father Christmas” promise, reminding them of the cement sector’s trajectory. “Nigerians should not be swayed by short-term promises that could have long-term damaging consequences,” he cautioned.
He also revealed that PETROAN held an emergency ordinary national general meeting where it was resolved that consultations would continue on Sunday and Monday to mediate on the proposed shutdown.
“In the event of no fruitful outcome, the PETROAN Congress agreed to not to sack any employee who participate at all retail outlets nationwide by the early hours of Tuesday.
“To enforce this decision, a 120-man compliance team will be mobilised as watchdogs to ensure safety of our member’s facilities.
“As a critical player amongst stakeholders, PETROAN will join other stakeholders in ensuring healthy competition in the oil and gas sector of Nigeria. This collaborative effort aims to promote a conducive environment for workers, foster sector growth, and ultimately benefit the Nigerian economy,” he stated.