By Ayomide Otitoju
Nigerians on social media have rallied in support of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery following opposition from the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over the refinery’s plan to deploy 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks for fuel distribution.
NUPENG recently threatened a nationwide strike in protest against the initiative, a move that has sparked heated debate across X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Much of the online commentary has favoured Dangote’s push for cleaner and more efficient logistics, framing the issue as a test of innovation versus entrenched union interests.
“Nigerians stand with has been making the lives of Nigerians unbearable for years.” Another user, James O., added: “The ONLY business leader and saviour we have that keeps ordinary citizens surviving is @DangoteGroup. Nigerians are fully behind you.”
Industry experts also joined the conversation. Professor Olushola Bamidele compared the clash to middlemen resisting innovation, saying: “If I buy a pick-up van to deliver goods directly to customers, sh I don’t understand the logic of this impending NUPENG strike.”
Similarly, Dr. Tosan Harriman criticised the union’s posture: “For a long time, it’s been clear NUPENG is spoiling for war. They don’t think about the people, just themselves.”
Some Nigerians alleged sabotage and external influence. as a private business, should be free to operate legally, while Ebere Anosike suggested foreign interests might be backing resistance to protect Western refineries facing declining imports.
Gbenga Emmanuel called on Dangote to encourage private investment in filling stations loyal to the refinery, while Instagram user Adesuyi said: “For years NUPENG has shown Nigerians hardship. Now that there’s competition, they can’t withstand it. Nigerians will stand with Dangote.”
Tech commentators described the refinery’s move as disruptive but necessary. But anything revolutionary faces resistance. What Dangote is doing will be studied in business schools around the world.”
The refinery’s CNG truck initiative is expected to lower distribution costs, reduce emissions, and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.
