The decision of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to warn Nigerians against accepting Dangote Refinery’s recent fuel price reduction has drawn heavy backlash on social media, with many citizens mocking the union and embracing what they described as “much-needed relief.”
Dangote had announced lower petrol pump prices in several states alongside a new scheme to deploy compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks directly to filling stations, a move expected to reduce logistics costs.
But NUPENG dismissed the offer as a “Greek gift,” alleging that the refinery was undermining workers’ rights, sidelining the union, and pushing drivers into a rival association.
However, netizens have lambasted the union, querying that during hard times, NUPENG has never supported the masses.
On X (formerly Twitter), Nigerians quickly turned NUPENG’s warning into a trending topic, using humour and sarcasm to lampoon the union.
Oloye Somorin Osifeso (@OloyeSomorin) wrote: “We like Greek gifts in my garage.”
Just Jude (@JustJude) asked bluntly: “Is it your deception?”
Oladele (@Oladele) quipped: “As Dangote Refinery dey offer Nigerians Greek gift, why can’t NUPENG too offer Nigerians French gift?”
Agbalaka (@Agbalaka) queried: “Can they tell Nigerians what exactly they are fighting about?”
CBN Gov Akinsola (@Akinsola) joked: “Then give us Trojan gift now 😆. Man do man. Man no go vex.”
Omobalaji (@Omobalaji) teased: “NUPENG, oya surprise us with Arabian gifts.”
Habdulakeem Bahdmus (@BahdmusHabdulakeem) added: “If Dangote is showering Nigerians with Greek gift, NUPENG can also set up a Roman gift now.”
Femi Yekinni (@FemiYekinni) steered it back to reality: “We thank them for their advice. Now, @DangoteGroup pls how do we schedule deliveries to Badagry?”
Curtis Abbi (@CurtisAbbi) slammed the union: “Nigerians will manage the Greek gift. @officialNUPENG9, what gift have you given Nigerians in your entire years of existence? NUPENG should offer Nigerians their own Somalian gift 🤣.”
Akin Adejola (@AkinAdejola) echoed the sentiment: “LOL. I can bet Nigerians don’t mind the gift. NUPENG should gift Nigerians same ‘Greek gift’ too if they have any goodwill. NUPENG is the enemy of progress in the oil & gas sector.”
Adeola Akinwande (@adeolarewaju9) criticised union leaders: “Does NUPENG remember Nigerians at hard times? They have all failed Nigerians the same way the @NLCHeadquarters has failed. They are living big on unionism and cashing out big time. Without unionism, some of their excos are nobody. They should stop the crocodile tears.”
Okunwa U. U. Azikiwe (@OkunwaUUazikiwe) argued: “Competition has created jealousy by the previous monopoly in the sale of fuel. They have lost control, and it is paining them that they are no longer in control. SMH!!!”
Solihull Abdulkareem (@SolihullAbdul) chipped in: “NUPENG or whatever, do you want the market to be monopoly? You’ve been doing what you want for many years. It’s time for change, just accept it and move forward.”
Temidayo (@Temidayo) asked: “It’s a lie. What benefits has your union provided for Nigerians? Middlemen syndrome has been room for corruption. Your association should go and buy shares in Dangote and work together to make Nigeria great.”
And LegalTech Sam Akanbi (@SamAkanbi) summed up: “Nigerians no longer want your Nigerian gift, we want the Greek gift. If you have a better offer, we’d abandon Dangote’s Greek gift and take yours. But for now, let the Greek gift go round.”
Recall that NUPENG earlier alleged that Dangote Refinery was forcing truck drivers to abandon its union for a rival group, the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA).
The union also accused Dangote of undermining collective bargaining rights and violating a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed under government supervision.
Dangote, however, denies the claims, insisting that union membership remains voluntary and that its delivery scheme is designed to cut costs and ease supply.
The federal government has intervened, with the Ministry of Labour and the Department of State Services mediating between both parties.
Source:Tribune