Dangote Refinery Backs Workers’ Rights, says union membership is voluntary and dismisses NUPENG’s claims of union suppression

The company made this clarification on Wednesday in response to what it described as “distortions of facts” by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) regarding its labour relations.

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery stressed it does not restrict employees from joining recognised trade unions, adding that it has provided facilities for union activities, including office space and dues collection.

“It is therefore misplaced to attribute responsibility to Dangote Petroleum Refinery for the personal choices made by drivers regarding union affiliation,” the company stated.

It dismissed allegations of forcing drivers to sign anti-union contracts as unfounded, urging NUPENG to resolve its internal rift with the Petrol Tanker Drivers unit rather than embroiling the refinery in its disputes.

The company reaffirmed its cooperation with government mediation, urging the union to act in good faith and avoid comments that could undermine national economic recovery efforts.

As Nigeria’s largest private-sector employer, Dangote Industries Limited highlighted its welfare packages, including pay three times the national minimum wage for drivers in its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) truck scheme, alongside pensions, housing, medical benefits, and loans.

It also announced that its N720bn investment in 10,000 CNG trucks would create 60,000 direct jobs and more indirect opportunities, while cutting logistics costs and supporting Nigeria’s energy transition plan.

Since its commissioning, the refinery has shifted Nigeria from Africa’s top fuel importer to a net exporter, reaching markets in the United States and boosting industries through by-products such as polypropylene, base oils, and jet fuel.

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Rejecting monopoly allegations, Dangote described such claims as “recycled falsehoods,” urging other private investors to take bold steps in driving Nigeria’s economic future.