September 2025
When the coalition of independent oil transporters and petroleum marketers threatened to embark on strike action against the Dangote Refinery, many Nigerians shuddered—not because they feared Dangote, but because they knew the ripple effect of such an industrial action would first and foremost fall on ordinary citizens. The possibility of fuel scarcity, long queues at filling stations, inflationary shocks, and transportation hikes evoke memories of crises that the nation is too familiar with.
At the core of this threat is Dangote’s decision to deploy gas-powered trucks and internalise distribution, a move that drastically reduces reliance on the thousands of diesel- and petrol-powered trucks owned by independent transporters. For the unions, this represents a direct threat to their relevance. But to every neutral observer, it is an inevitable clash between the forces of innovation and the inertia of tradition.
The Self-Preservation Argument
The transporters’ motivations are clear. They fear:
Losing market share as Dangote’s fleet displaces theirs.
Becoming redundant as integrated distribution sidelines middlemen.
A gradual death of their long-established economic ecosystem.
But let us be brutally honest: this is not about Nigerians. It is not about cheaper petrol, easier access, or national progress. It is about protecting turf. And if history teaches us anything, it is that such turf wars are often lost when pitched against the tidal wave of technological change.
Lessons from History: Industrial Revolution to Silicon Age
Technological transformation has always unsettled established industries. Yet, those who adapt, prosper. Those who resist, perish.
Horse-drawn carriages gave way to automobiles. The once-bustling industry of horse rentals collapsed. Those who switched to cars became tycoons of the new transport age.
Typewriters succumbed to computers. Firms like Olivetti and Remington, once global giants, faded away. Meanwhile, Microsoft and Apple rose to dominance.
Landline telephones were devoured by mobile technology. The Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), once the monopoly of communication, disappeared because it failed to adapt.
Retail shops now struggle against e-commerce. Traders who joined Amazon, Jumia, and Alibaba expanded their reach, while those who insisted on the old way closed their doors.
Every one of these examples underscores one lesson: technology does not negotiate. It disrupts.
Why Transporters Must Modernise
The Dangote Refinery is not just about profit—it is part of a global transition. Gas-powered trucks are cheaper to run, cleaner for the environment, and more efficient in logistics. For Nigeria, where energy costs have crippled productivity, this is a strategic advantage.
Instead of resisting, transporters should:
Invest in new fleets of gas-powered trucks.
Explore partnerships with Dangote for regional distribution.
Position themselves as pioneers of green logistics in Africa.
With climate change policies gaining traction worldwide, even international financing and partnerships will favour those who embrace modern systems. Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind because of short-sighted resistance.
The Real Victims of a Strike
Let us not mince words: if transporters embark on strike, the ordinary Nigerian will pay the price. Fuel queues will return. Food prices will skyrocket as transport costs rise. Small businesses relying on generators will face fresh nightmares. The economy, already fragile, will shiver.
It is a cruel irony that those who claim to fight for fairness would willingly hold 200 million Nigerians hostage in pursuit of narrow interests. The Punch newspaper has consistently maintained that industrial disputes should never come at the expense of the masses
Conclusion: Embrace Change or Face Obsolescence
The Industrial Revolution was ruthless in eliminating the obsolete. Today’s digital revolution is no different. Independent oil transporters and marketers must realise that their survival lies not in resisting Dangote, but in reinventing themselves. By adopting gas-powered fleets and aligning with global energy transition trends, they can remain relevant.
But if they choose the path of strikes, protests, and resistance, they will eventually be swept aside by the unstoppable tide of progress. Nigerians must not be made pawns in this struggle. The future belongs to those who adapt. And in this battle between Dangote and tradition, history has already chosen its winner.
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Opinion