The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has accused the Dangote Petroleum Refinery of undermining union activities, resisting workers’ rights to freedom of association, and attempting to weaken the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch through the creation of a rival group.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by NUPENG President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, the union criticised the Dangote Group’s recent public statements as “falsehoods” designed to mislead the public and weaken the labour movement.
The allegations follow a recent shutdown of fuel depots by NUPENG, which protested against the refinery’s refusal to allow newly recruited drivers of its 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks to join the union. The strike, which began on Monday, was suspended on Tuesday after a meeting mediated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment resulted in a temporary agreement between both parties.
However, NUPENG now says that the Dangote Group has violated the terms of that agreement. According to the union, despite signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 9 September, the refinery instructed drivers two days later to remove NUPENG stickers from their trucks and replace them with the insignia of the newly formed Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), allegedly created by management.
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“Our members have stoutly resisted this development,” the union said, adding that the company has been trying to create a parallel union structure within the PTD branch since 2023.
NUPENG further alleged that individuals recruited into the new association include former PTD members who lost union elections, and that some of them are currently involved in ongoing criminal cases. The union also claimed that similar anti-union policies are in place at Dangote’s cement and sugar plants.
In addition to concerns over unionisation, NUPENG raised alarms over the Dangote Refinery’s recently announced plan to offer free nationwide petroleum delivery, calling it a “Greek gift” designed to stifle competition and push independent drivers into a management-controlled structure.
“It is a move aimed at monopolising distribution, marginalising labour, and weakening the collective bargaining power of tanker drivers,” the union stated.
In response to earlier protests, the Dangote Group, through its spokesperson Anthony Chiejina, denied all allegations. In a statement released on Thursday, the company said claims of anti-labour practices, union suppression, and monopolistic behaviour are “entirely unfounded.”
“The Dangote Group respects workers’ rights to unionise and has never restricted any employee from joining a recognised trade union,” the statement said. It added that the free fuel delivery initiative is part of a broader cost-reduction strategy to improve supply and efficiency across the country.
Despite the company’s assurances, NUPENG has urged Nigerians and the international community to remain vigilant and resist any attempts to suppress workers’ rights.
The union concluded its statement with a warning that the safety and rights of its leaders must be respected.
“Our solidarity remains constant, for the union makes us strong,” it said.
No further industrial actions have been declared, but the union has not ruled out renewed protests if the situation is not resolved.
