A public relations battle over fuel prices is heating up in Nigeria, with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) facing widespread backlash from citizens for its warning against a recent fuel price reduction by the Dangote Refinery.
The union’s attempt to brand the move as a “Greek gift” was met with a chorus of mockery and sarcasm on social media platforms, as Nigerians eagerly embraced the prospect of lower fuel costs.
The controversy began when the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals announced a new scheme to deploy compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks for fuel delivery, a move designed to reduce logistics costs and, in turn, lower pump prices in several states.
However, NUPENG quickly fired back, publicly dismissing the offer as a "Greek gift" and accusing the refinery of undermining workers’ rights, sidelining the union, and pushing drivers toward a rival association.
But the union’s warning did not resonate with the public. On X (formerly Twitter), Nigerians quickly turned the phrase into a trending topic, using humour to question the union’s motives and express their frustration with a history of what they see as anti-consumer actions.
"We like Greek gifts in my garage," wrote Oloye Somorin Osifeso (@OloyeSomorin), capturing the sentiment of many.
Others were more direct, with Just Jude (@JustJude) asking bluntly, “Is it your deception?”
Many netizens took the opportunity to lampoon the union, highlighting a perceived lack of support for the masses during previous hardships.
Oladele (@Oladele) quipped, “As Dangote Refinery dey offer Nigerians Greek gift, why can't NUPENG too offer Nigerians French gift?”
Habdulakeem Bahdmus (@BahdmusHabdulakeem) added, “If Dangote is showering Nigerians with Greek gifts, NUPENG can also set up a Roman gift now.”
The frustration extended beyond jokes. Femi Yekinni (@FemiYekinni) brought the conversation back to a practical level, writing, “We thank them for their advice.
Now, @DangoteGroup, pls, how do we schedule deliveries to Badagry?”
Several users directly slammed NUPENG, accusing the union of being out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
Curtis Abbi (@CurtisAbbi) challenged the union, stating, “Nigerians will manage the Greek gift. @officialNUPENG9 what gift have you given Nigerians in your entire years of existence?”
Akin Adejola (@AkinAdejola) echoed this sentiment, arguing, “I can bet Nigerians don't mind the gift.
NUPENG should gift Nigerians the same ‘Greek gift’ too if they have any goodwill. NUPENG is the enemy of progress in the oil & gas sector.”
The public’s response also touched on a deeper suspicion of union leadership.
Adeola Akinwande (@adeolarewaju9) criticised union leaders, stating, “They are living big on unionism and cashing out big time.
“Without unionism, some of their execs are nobodies. They should stop crocodile tears.”
Amid the online storm, the core of the dispute remains a labour issue.
NUPENG has alleged that Dangote is forcing truck drivers to abandon its union for a rival, the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA).
The union claims this move violates a Memorandum of Understanding signed under government supervision and undermines collective bargaining rights.
Dangote, however, has denied the claims, stating that union membership is voluntary and its delivery scheme is a business strategy designed to cut costs and improve supply.
The federal government has since intervened, with the Ministry of Labour and the Department of State Services mediating between the two parties.
For now, however, Nigerians are clear on where they stand. As LegalTech Sam Akanbi (@SamAkanbi) summed it 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.”
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