Union Clash Sparks Traffic Chaos Near Dangote Refinery
Atume Terfa
Motorists navigating the Ibeju-Lekki corridor faced crippling delays on Monday after a dispute between the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MRS) and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) escalated into a full-scale traffic disruption. The clash, which began Sunday evening, stalled tanker operations and restricted movement on the critical route linking the Deep Sea Port to the Dangote Refinery.
According to Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1, tanker drivers parked indiscriminately along major access points, reducing traffic flow to a single lane on both the Lekki-Epe Expressway near Eleko Junction and the refinery approach roads. The congestion has forced commuters, logistics operators, and local businesses to endure hours-long delays.
Traffic enforcement personnel were deployed to ease the gridlock and prevent a total standstill, but congestion persisted as of Monday afternoon. Authorities have yet to announce when normal traffic will resume or confirm any resolution to the MRS-NUPENG standoff.
The disruption comes as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Complex remains in the spotlight. In July, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole toured the facility, praising its engineering standards and workforce development efforts. Meanwhile, Dangote Industries has revealed plans for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) of its 3-million-ton fertiliser plant in Q4 2025, with the refinery itself expected to follow in 2026—a development seen as pivotal for Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector.
Economists note that the refinery’s presence has already transformed Ibeju-Lekki, spurring rapid infrastructure growth, job creation, and a surge in property values. But analysts warn that prolonged traffic disruptions and industrial disputes could erode investor confidence at a critical moment for the region’s economy.
Local authorities say they are working with stakeholders to restore order and reopen blocked lanes. Until then, commuters are advised to seek alternative routes or plan for extended travel times as negotiations between the unions continue.
