Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reaffirmed that its employees are free to join trade unions at their discretion, emphasizing that union membership remains a voluntary right, not a mandatory obligation in line with the Nigerian Constitution and International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards.
The company made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday, while responding to allegations from the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over its industrial relations practices.
“It is therefore misplaced to attribute responsibility to Dangote Petroleum Refinery for the personal choices made by drivers regarding union affiliation,” the company said.
Dangote dismissed reports suggesting it compelled truck drivers to sign contracts preventing them from joining unions, describing such claims as “unfounded” and “misleading.”
The refinery urged NUPENG to focus on resolving its internal dispute with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch rather than drawing the company into unrelated conflicts.
“Accusations of suppressing union rights form part of a broader attempt to undermine private sector advancement,” the company added.
According to the statement, Dangote Refinery maintains a cooperative relationship with recognised unions, including NUPENG. The company highlighted that union members within its workforce are provided with office space, allowed to collect dues, and engage with members freely all without interference from management.
“We support constitutionally protected union activities and have never restricted or interfered with lawful worker engagement,” it stated.
The company also voiced its commitment to dialogue, urging NUPENG to work in good faith with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, which is currently mediating the dispute.
“We call on NUPENG to respect the mediation process and refrain from inflammatory statements that could derail national economic recovery efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” it said.
Addressing worker welfare, Dangote Industries Limited which described itself as Nigeria’s largest private-sector employer said drivers under its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks initiative earn compensation three times higher than the national minimum wage.
These drivers also enjoy a robust package that includes group insurance, pensions, medical allowances, housing support, and access to soft loans.
The company is currently rolling out 10,000 CNG-powered trucks, expected to create over 60,000 direct jobs, along with numerous indirect employment opportunities. The ₦720 billion investment, it said, is part of its broader strategy to cut distribution costs, enhance fuel accessibility in rural areas, and support the federal government’s energy transition goals.
Since the refinery’s official commissioning a year ago, Nigeria has reportedly shifted from being Africa’s largest importer of refined fuel to a net exporter, with products reaching international markets including the United States.
The refinery said it produces high-grade fuel and valuable by-products such as polypropylene, base oils, jet fuel, and more boosting local industries like plastics, aviation, lubricants, and agro-processing.
“Our operations have helped eliminate fuel scarcity, stabilise pump prices, and displace substandard fuel imports,” the statement noted.
According to the company, over 570,000 jobs have been created across logistics, construction, and plant maintenance. In addition, host communities have benefitted from newly built roads, water systems, and power infrastructure.
The refinery also highlighted its role in human capital development, having trained thousands of young Nigerian engineers and technicians in advanced refining technologies.
Refinery Dismisses Monopoly Claims
Responding to criticisms about monopolistic practices, Dangote Refinery rejected the allegations as “recycled falsehoods,” insisting it operates in a competitive environment.
“The greater concern lies not with those investing in Nigeria’s future, but with those who choose to remain on the sidelines,” the company said.
“At Dangote, we’ve chosen to invest boldly. It’s time others do the same.”
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