The decision of the Union of Petroleum Workers and Nigeria Gas (Nupeng) to warn the Nigerians who do not accept the recent reduction in the price of Dangote Refinery fuel, has caused a violent reaction on social networks, with many citizens who make fun of the union and embrace what they described as “very necessary relief.”
Dangote had announced the lowest prices of the gasoline pump in several states together with a new scheme to display compressed natural gas trucks (CNG) directly to filling stations, a movement that is expected to reduce logistics costs.
But Nupeng dismissed the offer as a “Greek gift”, claiming that the refinery was undermining the rights of workers, leaving the union aside and pushing drivers to a rival association.
However, Internet users have criticized the union, consulting that during difficult times, Nupeng has never supported the masses.
In X (previously Twitter), the Nigerians quickly turned Nupeng’s warning into a tendency issue, using humor and sarcasm to ridicule the union.
OLOYE SOMORIN OSIFESO (@oloyesomorin) wrote: “We like Greek gifts in my garage.”
Only Jude (@justjude) asked bluntly: “Is your deception?”
Oladele (@oladele) joked: “As Dygote Dey’s refinery offers a Greek gift from Nigerians, why Nupeng can’t also offer Nigerians a French gift?”
Agbalaka (@agbalaka) consulted: “Can you tell Nigerians what they are fighting exactly?”
CBN GOV AKINSOLA (@AKINSOLA) He joked: “Then give us a Trojan gift now 😆. Man do man. Man no go vex”.
Omobalaji (@omobalaji) joked: “Nupeng, Oya surprises us with Arab gifts.”
Habdulakeem bahdmus (@bahdmushabdulakeem) added: “If Dangote is bathing Nigerians with a Greek gift, Nupeng can also establish a Roman gift now.”
FEMI YEKINNI (@FeMiyinni) directed it to reality: “We thank you for your advice. Now, @dengotegroup please.
Curtis Abbi (@curtisabbi) criticized the union: “Will the Nigerians handle the Greek gift. @Officialnupeng9, what gift has the Nigerians give in their years of existence?
Akinola (@akinadejola) echoed the feeling: “Lol. I can bet on Nigerians who do not care about the gift. Nupeng should give the Nigerians the same ‘Greek gift’ also if they have good will. Nupeng is the enemy of progress in the oil and gas sector.”
AKINWANDENDO DOEOLA ( @Adeolarewaju9) criticized union leaders: “Does Nupeng remember the Nigerians in difficult times? Everyone has failed the Nigerians in the same way that the @nlchadquarters have failed. They are living in great unionism and charge big. Without unionism, some of their unionism are no one.
Okunwa UU Azikiwe (@okunwauazikiwe) argued: “The competition has created jealousy for the previous monopoly in the sale of fuel. They have lost control, and they are giving them the pain that they no longer have control. Smh!”
Solihull Abdulkareem (@solihulabdul) intervened: “Nupeng or whatever, do you want the market to be monopoly? You have been doing what you want for many years. It is time for change, just accept it and move on.”
Temidiolo (@temidayo) asked: “It’s a lie. What benefits has its union for Nigerians provided? The intermediaries syndrome has been in margin for corruption. His association must go and buy actions in Dangote and work together to make Nigeria great.”
And LegalTech Sam Akanbi (@samakanbi) summed up: “The Nigerians no longer want their Nigerian gift, we want the Greek gift. If you have a better offer, we would abandon the Greek gift of Dangote and take yours. But for now, let the Greek gift become.”
Remember that Nupeng previously claimed that Dangote Refinery was forcing truck drivers to leave their union for a rival group, the driver association of the Direct Transport Company (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 the membership of the union remains voluntary and that its delivery scheme is designed to reduce costs and relieve supply.
The Federal Government has intervened, with the Ministry of Labor and the Department of State Services that mediate between both parties.
Also read the main stories of Nigerian Tribune
Watch the best Nigerian Tribune TV videos