By DAYO ADESULU
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has clarified its position on trade union membership, stating that joining a union remains voluntary and not compulsory, in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the refinery dismissed recent claims by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), describing them as “distortions of facts” about its relationship with employees.
Union Membership is a Personal Choice
The company emphasised that it does not interfere with workers’ rights to freely associate or join any legally recognised trade union.
“It is therefore misplaced to attribute responsibility to Dangote Petroleum Refinery for the personal choices made by drivers regarding union affiliation,” the statement read.
Dangote also rejected allegations that it coerced drivers into signing contracts barring them from joining unions, calling the claims “baseless and unfounded.” Instead, it urged NUPENG to resolve its internal rift with the Petrol Tanker Drivers (PTD) unit rather than dragging the refinery into its disputes.
“We Support Trade Unions” – Dangote
Contrary to accusations of union suppression, the refinery maintained that it has always fostered a cooperative relationship with recognised unions, including NUPENG.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery has consistently supported the legitimate activities of unions within our facility, providing office space and enabling engagement with members, including dues collection, without interference,” the company noted.
The firm reaffirmed its support for ongoing mediation efforts by the Ministry of Labour and urged NUPENG to respect dialogue processes instead of making public statements that could disrupt national economic recovery efforts led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Workers’ Welfare and New Opportunities
As Nigeria’s largest private-sector employer, Dangote Industries Limited highlighted its commitment to workers’ welfare, safety, and career growth.
The company revealed that drivers under its new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks scheme earn compensation packages three times above the national minimum wage, in addition to pensions, insurance, housing benefits, medical allowances, and access to soft loans.
The rollout of 10,000 CNG-powered trucks is expected to generate at least 60,000 direct jobs and thousands of indirect opportunities, with a total investment of ₦720 billion aimed at lowering logistics costs and supporting the government’s energy transition plan.
Refinery’s Impact on Nigeria’s Economy
Since its commissioning a year ago, the refinery said Nigeria had transformed from Africa’s biggest fuel importer into a net exporter of refined petroleum products, reaching markets in the United States.
It also disclosed that it is producing vital by-products such as polypropylene, base oils, and aviation fuel, which are boosting the plastics, aviation, lubricants, and agro-processing sectors.
The refinery further noted its role in eliminating recurring fuel scarcity, stabilising pump prices, and curbing the inflow of substandard imported products.
According to the company, over 570,000 jobs have been created across logistics, construction, and maintenance, while host communities have benefitted from new infrastructure including roads, electricity, and water supply.
Dangote added that it has become a hub for knowledge transfer, training thousands of Nigerian engineers and technicians in advanced refining technology.
