New Truck Drivers’ Union Insists on Independence, Rejects NUPENG and PENGASSAN Recognition

Speaking in an interview, the leadership of the association explained that their registration was duly completed with the appropriate authorities in line with Nigerian labour laws, making their activities legitimate and independent.

According to the spokesperson, suggestions that the new union needed clearance from NUPENG or PENGASSAN to function were misleading and based on “wrong perceptions.” He maintained that no union in Nigeria has the legal right to register another, stressing that the regulatory responsibility rests solely with the federal government and its agencies.

“We don’t need their recognition. NUPENG and PENGASSAN have no authority to register any association in Nigeria. Our union is properly registered, and we are operating within the law,” the spokesperson insisted.

He further challenged journalists and the public to investigate claims that the majority of truck drivers were certified by NUPENG. According to him, such assumptions have contributed to misrepresentation and misunderstanding about the true structure of road transport workers in the country.

“What we want people to understand is that truck drivers are diverse and not all of them are under NUPENG. If you go round and speak to them directly, you will see that our association has strong grassroots support and represents a wide category of operators,” he added.

The spokesperson also criticized the dominance of existing unions in the petroleum and logistics sector, noting that their style of operation often leaves ordinary truck drivers with little voice in decision-making. He said the emergence of the new association was aimed at ensuring inclusivity, fairness, and adequate representation for drivers who feel sidelined.

Industry observers believe the development could trigger tension within the transport and petroleum logistics sector, especially given the strategic role of truck drivers in the distribution of petroleum products and other essential goods across Nigeria.

While NUPENG and PENGASSAN have yet to issue an official response to the statement, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the relationship among the unions evolves in the coming weeks.