The Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (PTD-NUPENG) has issued a stern warning to halt the loading of petroleum products nationwide by Monday, September 1, 2025, unless concerns over security agent harassment are addressed. This threat, reported by Obas Esiedesa from Abuja, stems from a recent incident involving the burning of two tankers, escalating tensions between the union and the Military Task Force in Port Harcourt. As of 9:00 PM WAT on August 27, 2025, the situation remains unresolved, raising concerns about potential fuel supply disruptions.
Incident Sparks Outrage
The dispute escalated after the Military Task Force in Port Harcourt allegedly burnt two trucks on Tuesday night, falsely accusing their drivers of transporting crude oil. National Chairman Comrade Lucky Osesua detailed that the tankers, with plate numbers EFR 770 XA and AFZ 351 ZY, were carrying 40,000 liters each of High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO), commonly known as black oil. The trucks had loaded the product from Walter Smith Refinery and Petrochemical in Ibigwe, Imo State, on Monday and Tuesday, en route to Bob & Sea Depot in Koko, Delta State, when they were intercepted between Ahoada and Elele in Rivers State.
Osesua highlighted that the drivers presented waybills, NUPENG receipts, and quality control documents to the military personnel, who ignored the evidence and proceeded to burn the vehicles. “Without investigation, without reaching out to the refinery where the drivers mentioned they lifted the black oil, the soldiers burnt down the trucks in less than five hours,” he stated, condemning the lack of due process and the highhandedness displayed.
Union’s Response and Demands
In response, PTD-NUPENG has decided to suspend loading operations in the Port Harcourt zone immediately. Osesua warned that a nationwide stoppage would follow by Monday unless the damages caused by the Military Task Force’s actions are addressed. “Enough is enough about the high-handedness of our security agents,” he declared, urging them to cease “demonising our union and persecuting our men who are doing their normal business.” He further criticized the agents’ inability to distinguish black oil from crude oil, calling it an unacceptable lapse in a modern context.
The union’s stance reflects growing frustration with security practices that it perceives as unjust, particularly when drivers comply with legal documentation. This incident has reignited debates about the treatment of petroleum workers and the need for better coordination between security forces and the industry.
Potential Impact and Next Steps
A nationwide strike by tanker drivers could severely disrupt Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, affecting both urban and rural areas. With the deadline set for Monday, September 1, 2025, the coming days are critical for negotiations between PTD-NUPENG, the government, and security agencies. The union’s demand for accountability and compensation for the destroyed trucks underscores the urgency of resolving the conflict.
As the situation develops, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if the Military Task Force responds to the allegations or if higher authorities intervene. The outcome could set a precedent for how security operations interact with the petroleum sector, with broader implications for Nigeria’s energy stability.
