By HeapNews
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has issued a three-day warning strike, announcing plans to suspend the lifting and dispensing of petroleum products nationwide beginning Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
The association said the move is part of its advocacy for “healthy competition” in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, as opposed to what it described as emerging monopolistic tendencies.
Addressing journalists and members in Abuja, PETROAN’s National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, stressed that the planned action will be peaceful and lawful. He said the association remains committed to protecting workers’ rights while safeguarding citizens from economic shocks.
“We are not shutting down to punish Nigerians; rather, we are raising the alarm before it is too late. Monopoly in the downstream sector will destabilize pricing, cripple businesses, and throw millions into unemployment,” Dr. Gillis-Harry warned.
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), the NNPC Group CEO, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Director General of DSS, and the Inspector General of Police to urgently intervene, even if on vacation, to prevent hardship for citizens.
The PETROAN President also clarified that many pump attendants at its member stations are registered with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). As such, NUPENG’s strike action would naturally keep them away from duty.
“We have instructed filling station owners not to discipline or sack any attendant who is absent during the strike. We will stand by our workers until this matter is resolved,” he assured.
Raising concerns about market practices, Dr. Gillis-Harry pointed at the aggressive business strategies of the Dangote Refinery, saying they could push private depot owners, modular refinery operators, marketers, and truck drivers out of business.
“Nigerians should not be deceived by initial giveaways that resemble Father Christmas. We must learn from what happened in the cement industry, where promises of cheap prices later turned into uncontrollable hikes,” he said.
Following an emergency general meeting, PETROAN resolved to consult with stakeholders between Sunday and Monday. If no progress is made, a nationwide suspension of product lifting will commence on Tuesday. To enforce compliance, a 120-man monitoring team has been set up to secure member facilities and ensure safety.
The association reaffirmed its position as a critical stakeholder in the oil and gas industry and pledged to work with others to create a level playing field that will benefit both businesses and consumers.