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Truck drivers’ association counters NUPENG strike threat, calls for respect of constitutional rights

Published

8 months ago

September 6, 2025

Truck drivers’ association counters NUPENG strike threat, calls for respect of constitutional rights

Abuja, Nigeria — September 6, 2025

Amid rising tensions in Nigeria’s transport and energy sectors, the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) has broken its silence on the looming industrial action announced by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), firmly distancing itself from the industrial action and affirming its commitment to national service and constitutional values.
In a press statement issued on Saturday in Abuja following a meeting of its National Executive Council, the DTCDA emphasized that it had no affiliation with NUPENG and would not participate in the strike set to begin on Monday, September 8, 2025.
“We are not a union, and we are not joining issues with NUPENG,” said Barr. Enoch Kanawa, National President of the DTCDA.
“However, we deem it necessary to set the record straight, as stakeholders in Nigeria’s transport industry, and to prevent the public from being misled.”

“Let Drivers Choose Freely” – DTCDA Insists
The association took a firm stance in defense of drivers’ freedom of association, cautioning against any group or union attempting to coerce drivers into membership. Citing the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), DTCDA reiterated that all Nigerians — including truck drivers — have the right to choose which organization or association best serves their interests.
> “The era of forced unionism is over,” the statement read. “Any driver mature enough to operate a heavy-duty vehicle is equally mature enough to make their own choices.”
The DTCDA clarified that it represents both wet and dry cargo drivers — including those employed by large logistics companies such as Dangote Group, MRS, and others.

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Unlike traditional unions, the DTCDA focuses on welfare-driven initiatives, including healthcare, insurance, pension plans, and post-retirement support for its members.

No Disruptions, Full Support for Economic Stability
As NUPENG’s strike threat sparks fears of fuel shortages and transportation gridlock, the DTCDA assured Nigerians that its members would continue working to ensure the smooth flow of goods and services across the country.
> “We see any action that disrupts petroleum distribution as a disservice to the nation and an abuse of union power. Nigerians deserve stability, not chaos,” the group said.
In a show of national alignment, the association expressed its full support for the deregulation of the downstream sector and the Renewed Hope agenda of the current administration.
> “Our members are prepared to play a vital role in the economic development of Nigeria, particularly in logistics and supply chain operations that are key to national growth,” said Barr. Kanawa.

Federal Government Urged to Intervene
The DTCDA also called on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to take proactive measures to prevent any organization from infringing on drivers’ rights, especially through intimidation or forced membership.
> “No individual or group should recruit members through coercion. The Constitution is clear — freedom of thought, association, and expression must be protected,” the statement said.

A Shifting Landscape in the Transport Sector
The DTCDA’s position marks a growing shift in Nigeria’s transport sector, where traditional labor unions are now facing challenges from new, welfare-oriented associations. As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic reforms and union unrest, associations like the DTCDA are emerging as alternative platforms prioritizing professionalism, safety, and drivers’ long-term welfare over industrial action.

Truck drivers’ association counters NUPENG strike threat, calls for respect of constitutional rights

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Chief Imam of Oyo Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration with NSCDC

Published

11 hours ago

April 29, 2026

Trends Admin

Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration with NSCDC

Chief Imam of Oyo Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration with NSCDC

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has called for enhanced collaboration between religious leaders and security agencies to strengthen peace and security across Oyo State.

Sheikh Akeugberu made the call on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at its headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan, where he was received by the State Commandant, Augustine Padonu.

Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration with NSCDC

The Grand Imam said the engagement was aimed at deepening cooperation between faith-based institutions and security operatives in addressing emerging security challenges and promoting peaceful coexistence in communities.

He stressed the importance of unity among stakeholders in maintaining societal stability, noting that religious leaders have a critical role to play in promoting intelligence sharing, conflict resolution, and community awareness.

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Sheikh Akeugberu also commended the NSCDC for its efforts in safeguarding lives and protecting critical national assets, describing the Corps as a key pillar in Nigeria’s internal security framework.

He assured the Command of continued support from the Muslim community in Oyo State, particularly in promoting peacebuilding initiatives and grassroots collaboration aimed at improving security outcomes.

In his response, Commandant Augustine Padonu expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and significant in strengthening community-security relations.

Padonu reiterated the Corps’ readiness to work closely with religious leaders and other stakeholders to enhance security awareness and improve engagement at the grassroots level.

He emphasized the importance of trust, cooperation, and mutual respect in achieving sustainable peace, assuring that the NSCDC would remain committed to its mandate of protecting citizens and maintaining law and order.

The visit ended with a mutual commitment by both parties to deepen collaboration in the interest of peace, stability, and development across Oyo State.

Chief Imam of Oyo Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration with NSCDC

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Tinubu Removes NMDPRA Chief Saidu Mohammed Months After Appointment

Published

12 hours ago

April 29, 2026

Trends Admin

Tinubu Removes NMDPRA Chief Saidu Mohammed Months After Appointment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Mr Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), just months after his appointment, in a major shake-up within Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory leadership.

The President has also nominated Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the agency, subject to Senate confirmation.

According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the decision was taken “in the public interest” and in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

The statement explained that the move is aimed at strengthening regulatory efficiency and improving governance in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Pending Senate confirmation of the new nominee, the most senior officer in the NMDPRA will oversee the agency in an acting capacity.

The Presidency also thanked the outgoing Authority Chief Executive, Saidu Mohammed, for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.

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Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, the newly nominated head of the agency, is described as a seasoned energy executive with over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. He is noted for expertise in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery.

He holds a degree in Accounting from Bayero University and is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

His nomination comes months after Tinubu initially submitted Mohammed’s name to the Senate for confirmation following leadership changes in key petroleum regulatory agencies. At the time, Mohammed had been expected to lead the NMDPRA, while another nominee was proposed for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Mohammed, a chemical engineer with decades of experience in the oil and gas sector, previously served in senior positions within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) structure, including Managing Director roles at the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company and the Nigerian Gas Company. He also participated in several national gas infrastructure projects.

The latest development is part of ongoing restructuring within Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory framework under the Petroleum Industry Act, which has seen changes in leadership across key agencies.

The Senate is expected to consider the nomination of Rabiu Umar in the coming days as part of its confirmation process.

Tinubu Removes NMDPRA Chief Saidu Mohammed Months After Appointment

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Police Order Dismissal, Prosecution of Officers Over Effurun Killing

Published

12 hours ago

April 29, 2026

Trends Admin

police officer kills handcuffed suspect in Delta

Police Order Dismissal, Prosecution of Officers Over Effurun Killing

The Nigeria Police Force has ordered the dismissal and prosecution of officers involved in the extrajudicial killing of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State, describing the incident as “criminal and unprofessional” and inconsistent with police standards of engagement.

Addressing journalists at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said the April 26 incident was unacceptable and reaffirmed that no officer has the authority to take the law into their own hands regardless of the circumstances.

The IGP confirmed that the principal suspect, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman, along with other officers involved in the operation, have been transferred from the Delta State Command to Abuja to face disciplinary proceedings. He added that the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) has already taken up the case.

He further disclosed that three inspectors who were part of the operation have been subjected to an Orderly Room Trial as part of internal disciplinary procedures to determine their individual levels of involvement.

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Police Arrest Two Suspects Over Killing of 17-Year-Old UTME Candidate

According to the police leadership, investigations established that ASP Usman violated Force Order 247, which governs the use of firearms, as well as other standard operational procedures regulating police conduct during arrests and engagements with suspects.

The Force has recommended the immediate dismissal of all officers found culpable in the incident. It also directed that they be handed over to appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution over unlawful homicide after their removal from service. The recommendations have been forwarded to the Police Service Commission for final approval.

The Inspector-General distanced the institution from the actions of the officers, stressing that they acted outside official rules and the core mandate of the Nigeria Police Force. He stated firmly that “no uniform is a licence to kill” and reiterated the Force’s zero-tolerance stance on abuse of power and extrajudicial conduct.

He also extended condolences to the family of the deceased and assured Nigerians that justice would be served transparently. The IGP urged residents of Delta State and the general public to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands while investigations and disciplinary actions continue.

The police leadership said the case reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability within the Force and ensure that officers who violate professional standards face appropriate sanctions.