The National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria (NUEOTDN) will commence industrial action on 22 September. The union announced this at a news conference in Lagos on Saturday. The General Secretary, Tajudeen Usman, spoke on behalf of the President, Ilias Aperun.
Union jurisdiction disputes are common in Nigeria’s transport sector. In 2019, petroleum tanker drivers clashed with another union over loading rights. In 2021, similar disputes disrupted fuel distribution. The current dispute involves edible oil tanker drivers and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG. It also involves the Amalgamated Union of Wharf Truck Owners of Nigeria (AUTOWN). The NUEOTDN says PTD is encroaching on its operations. It also says AUTOWN is operating through the Wharf 302 Products and Beverages Association.
Usman alleged jurisdictional encroachment, harassment and disruption by PTD. He said the union sought intervention from the Federal Ministries of Labour and Health, security agencies and regulatory authorities. The matter remains unresolved.
“We are not opposed to legitimate businesses or the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said. “Our objective is to protect the legitimate interests of our members and ensure that the transportation of edible oil and food-grade products is carried out in an orderly, safe, hygienic and lawful environment.”
He called for dedicated tankers for edible oil. He said using tankers previously used for petroleum products raises food safety concerns. He appealed to the government to resolve the dispute. He warned that failure would trigger the strike from midnight on 22 September. He expressed concern that disruption could affect supplies and lead to shortages or price increases.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Lagos State Council urged the federal government to intervene. Vice Chairman Olabisi Idowu called for a meeting involving federal and state governments, security agencies and the unions. He urged authorities to define union jurisdictions through the Register of Trade Unions.
Alhaji Labaran Sidi, President of the Marketers and Sellers of Edible Oil Association of Nigeria, alleged interference with members’ activities at refineries and depots. He said the association complied with NAFDAC requirements. Mrs Victoria Oke, Vice President, said edible oil tanker operators are distinct from NUPENG because they transport food products. She alleged that some members were prevented from loading and asked to pay NUPENG despite having no affiliation.
Winners: NUEOTDN, if it wins recognition. The NLC, if it resolves the dispute. Consumers, if supplies remain stable. Losers: PTD and NUPENG, if they lose jurisdiction. Consumers, if the strike causes shortages. The government, if it fails to intervene. Edible oil marketers, who face disruption.
Bottom Line: A strike looms over edible oil transport. The dispute is about jurisdiction and food safety. NUPENG and the wharf truck owners are accused of encroachment. The government must intervene. A strike would affect supplies and prices. The deadline is 22 September.