The Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association ( DTCDA) has described as baseless the planned protest by the
Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG)
NUPENG had protested what it described as Aliko Dangote’s anti-union agenda in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,
However, at the meeting of the National Executive Council of DTCDA , held today in Abuja,the purported threat of NUPENG to go on strike beginning on Monday September 8,2025 was reviewed and the following resolution was reached, signed by the National President of DTCDA Barr.Enoch Kanawa ,he stated :” That while not joining issues with the NUPENG as there is no basis for that, We as stakeholders in the Nigerian transport industry deem it fit to put issues in their proper perspectives so that the public are not being manipulated and taken for a ride because the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the freedom of Association for persons to voluntarily choose who and whom to associate or partner with.More so that the Nigerian economy is fully deregulated.
“That DTCDA is an Association and not a union.It is an Organization of all drivers both in the wet and dry cargo of the transport sector of which Dangote drivers,MRS and others drivers of established transport companies are members,will cater for the general welfare of their drivers in terms of health,insurance and Pension Benefits especially post retirement.
“The DTCDA is open to all drivers, who subscribe to the objectives of the Association and who are desirous of a better working life during and after retirement.This is to give them and their families a guaranteed future.
5.The leadership of the DTCDA is committed to the transparent,accountable and good governance of the Association in the promotion and protection of its members welfare,ensuring safe driving,education, safety and sanity on our highways.
” DTCDA will not interfere with the operation of any organization,Union or Association in Nigeria rather,drivers should be allowed to have a freedom of choice on which Union or Association that can best serve their interests in the course of the legitimate pursuit of their driving experience. Any person that is licensed to drive a heavy duty vehicle should be matured enough both physically, mentally and emotionally to discern which organization can best serve his/her own interests.
“DTCDA therefore ,urges the Federal Government and its agencies to take every measure necessary to prevent any one organization trying to recruit membership by coercion thereby breaching the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of association,thought and expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
” DTCDA is in full support of the deregulation of the downstream sector of the Nigerian economy and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President of which our members are poised to play an integral role in the distribution of goods and services throughout the country.
“The DTCDA believes that any action against the smooth flow of petroleum products in the country is a disservice,flagrant abuse of the power of Unionism and should be condemned by all Nigerians and the General public.
