Edible Oil Tanker Drivers Plan Strike Over NUPENG Interference

The National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria (NUEOTDN), led by General Secretary Tajudeen Usman, has announced a potential strike starting from midnight on September 22. This action is in response to alleged interference in their operations by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

Usman, speaking on behalf of NUEOTDN President Ilias Aperun, accused NUPENG of encroaching on NUEOTDN's jurisdiction, harassing its members, and disrupting their activities. The union demands dedicated tankers for edible oil, citing food safety concerns regarding the use of tankers previously employed for petroleum products.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), represented by Lagos Vice Chairman Olabisi Idowu, has urged the Federal Government to intervene to prevent escalation. The Marketers and Sellers of Edible Oil Association of Nigeria, including Vice President Victoria Oke, emphasized the distinction between edible oil tanker operators and NUPENG, as they transport food products.

The situation is compounded by Lagos's recent regulations on edible oil transportation.