The Amalgamated Union of Wharf Truck Owners of Nigeria (AUTOWN) and the Wharf 302 Products and Beverages Association of Tanker Drivers have strongly condemned what they described as “falsehoods and deliberate deception” spread by the National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria (NUEOTDN).
In a statement signed by Comrade Prince Adeniji Olusola, General Secretary of AUTOWN, the union rejected NUEOTDN’s claims published in The Nation newspaper on September 16, 2026, insisting the allegations were baseless, defamatory, and intended to create confusion within the industry.
AUTOWN emphasized that its members operate exclusively with food-grade trucks that fully comply with hygiene and safety standards required for transporting edible products. The union noted that both the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) have repeatedly inspected its facilities and issued clean records of compliance.
“All our trucks are painted green, dedicated to food-grade operations, and never used for petroleum distribution. The contamination risks alleged by NUEOTDN are fabrications and a figment of their imagination,” the statement read.
The union accused NUEOTDN of lacking legitimacy, pointing out that the group has no trucks, no products to distribute, no affiliation with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and no credible membership. AUTOWN described NUEOTDN’s threat of strike action as “laughable,” alleging that its activities amount to harassment, mischief, and economic sabotage.
AUTOWN further revealed that NUEOTDN is currently facing multiple litigations, including criminal and civil cases at the Ikeja High Court and the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, over violent and disruptive actions against AUTOWN members. The union alleged that NUEOTDN’s primary interest lies in illegally extorting ₦120,000 from truck operators.
Calling for decisive government intervention, AUTOWN urged the Ministries of Health and Labour and Employment, regulatory agencies, and the Nigeria Labour Congress to disregard NUEOTDN’s propaganda and investigate its leadership for spreading lies, inciting fear, and attempting to destabilize the edible oil supply chain.
Below is the AUTOWN official statement in full:
Amalgamated Union of Wharf Truck Owners of Nigeria Dismisses Misleading Publication by NUEOTDN, Calls for Government’s Retributive Action
The Amalgamated Union of Wharf Truck Owners of Nigeria (AUTOWN) and the Wharf 302 Products and Beverages Association of Tanker Drivers, who operate dedicated food-grade trucks, categorically reject the falsehoods and deliberate deception spread by the National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria (NUEOTDN) in the online edition of The Nation Newspaper of Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
NUEOTDN’s claims are baseless, defamatory, and intended to create confusion within the industry. Our members operate exclusively with food-grade trucks that fully comply with hygiene and safety standards required for the transportation of edible products. We strongly condemn attempts to malign our operations and integrity.
AUTOWN and Wharf 302 drivers consistently adhere to regulatory guidelines issued by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Both NAFDAC and LASCOPA have inspected our facilities multiple times and consistently issued clean records, confirming our compliance. All our trucks are painted green and meet food-safety requirements.
NUEOTDN’s narrative is nothing more than a jurisdictional ploy aimed at undermining legitimate operators and inciting unnecessary panic among consumers. For clarity, NUEOTDN has no trucks, no products to distribute, no affiliation with Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and no legitimate membership. Such an organization should be proscribed to safeguard stability, peace, and discipline in the sector.
We emphasize the clear distinction between petroleum tankers under PTD and the food-grade trucks operated by Wharf 302 Association. Our trucks are uniquely painted green and are never used for petroleum distribution. The contamination risks alleged by NUEOTDN are fabrications and a frigment of their own imagination.
The empty threat of strike action by NUEOTDN is laughable, given their lack of legitimate members. Their activities amount to harassment, mischief, and economic sabotage. Government must hold their leadership accountable under the rule of law.
We are deeply concerned that these elements misled the Ministry of Labour and Employment into registering them as a labour organization despite lacking statutory capacity. Currently, four litigations are pending against them due to violent and disruptive actions against our members and trucks. Of note is the criminal case at Ikeja High Court before Justice Hakeem Oshodi, criminal and Civil Case at the Federal High Court, lkoyi before Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala. NUEOTDN’s primary interest lies in illegally extorting ₦120,000 from each truck.
We call on the Federal Government, particularly the Ministries of Health and Labour and Employment, relevant regulatory agencies, and the Nigeria Labour Congress to disregard NUEOTDN’s propaganda and instead investigate its leadership for spreading lies, inciting fear, and attempting to destabilize the edible oil supply chain. Their actions constitute economic sabotage and deliberate misinformation to cause needless panemonium in the country.
AUTOWN and Wharf 302 remain committed to protecting food safety, consumer health, and the integrity of Nigeria’s supply chain. We will not tolerate harassment or false accusations from any group seeking to exploit regulatory processes for selfish gain.
Our solidarity is unwavering, for unity is the source of our strength.
Many thanks.
Signed,
Comrade Prince Adeniji Olusola
General Secretary.
