The Arewa Oil and Gas Marketers Association of Nigeria (AROGMA) has distanced itself from the planned nationwide strike called by the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) slated for September 8th.

The President of AROGMA, Bashir Ahmad Danmalam, stated this in a release issued to newsmen.

Danmalam called on tanker drivers and Nigerians to ignore NUPENG’s directive.

He said the majority of NUPENG members are on the government payroll.

According to Danmalam, “How can the majority of Nigerians who cannot earn a living unless they go out daily, including drivers and oil workers embark on a strike that will plunge the country into further hardship?”

The AROGMA president further said Nigerians are in a critical economic situation. “If they go on strike, what are Nigerians going to earn?” he asked, noting that Nigerians are not ready for a strike.

He called on Nigerians to rally behind Dangote so they can continue to enjoy subsidies on petroleum products.

“If Nigerians do not back Dangote, and if he stops selling petrol to Nigerians, it will become very expensive,” he said.

He added that Arewa Oil and Gas is not in conflict with Dangote and commended him for the way he handles the distribution of petroleum products.

“If not for Dangote’s prompt intervention in the petroleum sector, one would have to buy it in dollars. He has the power to sell his products abroad, but due to his patriotism, he decided that Nigerians will continue to benefit.”

“Gone are the days when one had to liaise with unions to embark on industrial action.”

“AROGMA will take legal action. We are not backing them. If NUPENG goes on strike, we will take legal action against them.”

“NUPENG’s actions show they are enemies of Nigerians.”

The AROGMA president added that they support anything that will bring positive change. “Even if Dangote makes a mistake, let us sit down with him and iron out the issues.”

“Therefore, we do not agree with the strike. We are not backing them at all.”

Danmalam said they have instructed all their drivers across Nigeria to continue loading petroleum products. “If they choose to follow NUPENG’s instruction, we are ready for them.”

“There are many drivers seeking employment with us, so we have a way of retrenching drivers. Many Nigerians want to be drivers.”

“If you are having a conflict with Dangote, go and continue with your conflict, but do not draw Arewa Oil and Gas into the issue.”

Bashir Danmalam also accused the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) of “crying wolf” over impending changes in the petroleum sector, which he claims will end their long-standing monopoly.

Danmalam alleged that NUPENG’s resistance stems from the imminent loss of illicit financial gains, imposition of levies, and the usurpation of rights belonging to other associations. “They will no longer have the monopoly to dominate the industry,” he said.

He criticized those accusing Dangote of attempting to monopolize the midstream and downstream sectors, stating that they themselves had monopolized the Nigerian petroleum space for years. “They have forgotten what they did to Nigerians. Now they are about to be sent out completely,” Danmalam said, adding, “I said this before in one of our meetings when there is too much sand in the soup, even the blind man will see it.”

Danmalam clarified that the Dangote Refinery has not banned union activities, but has proposed that its drivers form a union under a different name from the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a branch of NUPENG. “The truth is that NUPENG cannot exist without PTD. That’s what they use to cause damage. Without transportation of products, there’s tension but that era is over,” he stated.

Danmalam accused NUPENG of trying to sabotage the refinery’s efforts out of greed and selfish interest. “They used the system to enrich themselves. Let them go and sleep and allow our products to be delivered to outlets without cost by Dangote Refinery,” he said.

He dismissed threats of strike action by NUPENG, saying it would have no impact. “Even within the union, only a few benefit. Besides, there is division within PTD. It’s going to be a strenuous exercise for NUPENG,” Danmalam concluded.