The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has raised concerns over mounting friction within the downstream oil and gas sector. The association warns that any industrial action could severely disrupt petroleum supply and distribution across the country, with ripple effects on businesses, households, and government revenues.
Stakeholders urged to embrace dialogue
In a statement issued by its Executive Secretary, Olufemi A. Adewole, DAPPMAN emphasised that industrial harmony is central to safeguarding jobs, sustaining investments, and ensuring uninterrupted product availability. The group called for all aggrieved parties particularly labour unions and government agencies to pursue constructive dialogue rather than confrontation.
“Engagement at the roundtable,” Adewole noted, “remains the most effective way to resolve disagreements and secure long-term stability in the sector.”
Government’s role in stabilising the sector
DAPPMAN appealed directly to the Federal Government to intervene urgently and address grievances raised by stakeholders. With Nigeria’s economy already facing pressure from inflation, high energy costs, and foreign exchange instability, a strike-induced disruption in fuel supply could further weaken investor confidence and exacerbate hardship for citizens.
The association also stressed that its long-standing position has been to foster collaboration with government, labour, and private investors to build a win-win framework. This approach, it argued, protects workers’ rights while guaranteeing seamless supply chains that underpin Nigeria’s economic resilience.
Safeguarding national energy security
Analysts note that the downstream sector remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s energy value chain, linking refineries, depots, and filling stations to end-users nationwide. Any supply disruption not only constrains transportation and logistics but also increases the risk of black-market speculation and price volatility.
By advocating calm and constructive engagement, DAPPMAN positions itself as a stabilising voice in a sector often marked by tension between regulators, operators, and labour groups. The association reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating cooperation and ensuring that petroleum products continue to reach consumers without interruption.
