Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria has suspended its planned nationwide strike, which was scheduled to commence on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, following last-minute interventions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Department of State Services. The union's president, Comrade Ilias Aperun, announced the suspension in a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
Aperun said the decision to suspend the industrial action followed interventions by the Federal Government and the DSS aimed at finding a lasting resolution to the issues affecting the union and stakeholders in the edible oil industry. He said the interventions focused on addressing concerns relating to the public health and safety of the union's members while protecting the interests of stakeholders in the edible oil supply chain.
"In the interest of peace, national economic stability and the protection of the edible oil supply chain, the Union has decided to suspend the planned action and give room for the ongoing government intervention," Aperun said. He directed all members and stakeholders to halt any preparations for the strike and continue normal operations pending further communication from the union.
The planned strike was triggered by alleged interference in the union's operations by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers. NUEOTDN had accused the PTD branch of encroaching on its jurisdiction, harassing its members and disrupting its activities. The union also alleged that the Amalgamated Union of Wharf Truck Owners of Nigeria was operating in the sector through the Wharf 302 Products and Beverages Association. NUEOTDN said it had previously sought intervention from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Ministry of Health, security agencies and regulatory authorities, but the issues remained unresolved.
The union had also raised food-safety concerns over the use of tankers previously deployed for petroleum products to transport edible oil, calling for dedicated food-grade tankers for the transportation of edible oil. The planned strike had raised fears of possible disruptions to the transportation and distribution of edible oil across the country if the dispute was not resolved before the deadline.
Aperun expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its intervention and urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the ongoing process. He said the union remained committed to protecting the public health, welfare and legitimate interests of its members while supporting a peaceful and sustainable resolution of the issues at stake. He added that further updates would be communicated to the public as developments arose.
The suspension means the planned industrial action will not commence as scheduled while discussions with the government and other stakeholders continue.
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