Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed recent allegations made by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers that it banned tanker drivers from joining the union, insisting that claims of anti-labour practices, monopolistic behaviour, and planned fuel price hikes are “entirely unfounded.”
NUPENG, on Monday, shut down depots, protesting that the Dangote refinery did not allow the newly recruited drivers for its 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks to join the union.
In a statement made available to our correspondent by the spokesman of the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, on Thursday, the company stated that the allegations that it was undermining union activities and threatening workers’ welfare through its new deployment of CNG-powered trucks were not true.
The Dangote Refinery reiterated its full support for constitutionally protected labour rights, stating that employees are free to affiliate with any recognised trade union.
“Assertions that drivers are compelled to waive union rights are categorically false,” the statement said, adding that the dispute involves NUPENG’s Petrol Tanker Drivers unit and does not implicate the refinery in any breach of rights.
Central to NUPENG’s allegations is the roll-out of over 4,000 CNG-powered bulk trucks, which the union claims could displace existing jobs. Dangote Group firmly refuted this, describing the initiative as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy transition strategy.
“The deployment of CNG-powered trucks is a strategic initiative designed to support national energy transition goals, not to displace existing jobs. Each truck will be operated by a six-person team, with drivers receiving salaries significantly above the national minimum wage, plus medical cover, pensions, housing allowances, and long-term access to housing loans. The company aims to have 10,000 such trucks in operation by year-end, potentially creating over 60,000 direct jobs,” the company stated.
Responding to accusations of monopolistic behaviour, the Dangote refinery emphasised its compliance with Nigeria’s deregulated oil sector under the supervision of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The company highlighted that over 30 refinery licences have been issued to private players, with active developments by BUA, Aradel, Walter Smith, and the Edo Refinery.
“While we are a major industry player, our presence has revitalised the downstream sector, reopened previously dormant petrol stations, and restored investor confidence,” the management said.
The statement also drew parallels with the company’s influence in the cement industry, noting that Dangote’s entry helped eliminate Nigeria’s reliance on imports and spurred the rise of other local producers.
The Dangote refinery strongly denied any plans to increase fuel prices.
On the contrary, the company claims its operations have stabilised fuel availability and driven down costs, saying, “Diesel prices have dropped by over 30 per cent in the past year, and petrol prices in Nigeria are now reportedly lower than in oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia and 40 per cent cheaper than neighbouring West African countries.”
The company also pointed to its N720bn investment in CNG infrastructure as evidence of its commitment to reducing logistics costs and improving nationwide fuel distribution.
Dangote stated it maintains a cordial and cooperative relationship with all recognised trade unions, including NUPENG.
It rejected accusations of walking out on recent conciliation efforts, stating that the union had not formally communicated any grievances before going public.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the intervention of the Federal Government, particularly the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and remain fully supportive of ongoing efforts to achieve a lasting resolution. We hold both the Minister, Dr Mohammed Dingyadi (Katuka Sokoto), and Mrs Nkiruka Onyejeocha in the highest regard and reject any suggestion that we have acted in a manner that would undermine their involvement.
The. Minister granted Mallam Sayyu Dantata the permit to enable him to attend to his medication,” the company said, expressing appreciation for the roles played by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and key ministers involved in mediating the dispute,” it was stated.
The company also noted that its domestic cooking gas supply has led to a noticeable drop in cooking gas prices, promoting cleaner household energy use and reducing dependency on firewood and kerosene.
“With over 570,000 direct and indirect jobs created, including through road, power, and water infrastructure projects, Dangote Refinery has positioned itself as a centre for skills development and technology transfer in Nigeria.
“The Dangote Group dismissed the monopoly allegations as recycled falsehoods.
“At Dangote, we have chosen to invest boldly in Nigeria’s future, and we will continue to do so. It is time others follow suit,” the statement concluded.
NUPENG National President, Williams Akporeha, in a statement on Thursday, said the Dangote Group did not respect the agreement signed on Tuesday at the office of the Department of State Services. According to the union, Dangote, on Tuesday, allegedly directed his truck drivers to remove NUPENG stickers from their vehicles and, the following day, instructed them to forcefully drive into the Dangote refinery to load products.
He said union officials reportedly stopped the drivers for violating loading rules, prompting the businessman to fly over the scene in a helicopter and subsequently call in naval personnel.
“This is to alert the general public and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that, notwithstanding the resolution reached and signed at the office of the DSS with three ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Deputy Director General of the DSS in attendance on the right of unionisation of the workers, Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata on Wednesday, 10th September, 2025, instructed all his truck drivers who have been NUPENG-PTD members for several years to remove the union stickers from their trucks yesterday.
“Today, Thursday, 11th September, 2025, he instructed them to forcefully drive into the Dangote refinery to load, and union officials stopped them from entering the refinery to load because their trucks violated union loading rules and regulations.
“Alh Sayyu Aliu Dantata flew over them several times with his helicopter and then called the navy of the Federal Republic to come over ostensibly to crush the union officials. Our members are waiting for him and his agents to run them over,” Akporeha stated.
