Dangote Petroleum Refinery has clarified that joining trade unions remains voluntary for its employees, in line with the Nigerian Constitution and International Labour Organisation conventions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the company dismissed what it called “distortions of facts” by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers regarding its labour practices.
It emphasised that it neither interferes with nor restricts employees from freely joining any legally recognised union.
“It is therefore misplaced to attribute responsibility to Dangote Petroleum Refinery for the personal choices made by drivers regarding union affiliation,” the company stated.
Dangote refuted claims that it compelled drivers to sign contracts prohibiting union membership, calling the allegations baseless. It urged NUPENG to address its internal dispute with the Petrol Tanker Drivers unit instead of “dragging the refinery into its conflicts.”
The company further described the accusations of union suppression as part of a wider effort to discredit private sector progress.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery maintains a cordial and cooperative relationship with all recognised trade unions, including NUPENG. We have consistently supported their legitimate activities within our facility, including providing office space and enabling member engagement and dues collection without interference,” it stated.
The refinery reiterated its support for mediation efforts led by the Ministry of Labour and called on NUPENG to respect the ongoing dialogue process.
“We urge NUPENG to act in good faith, respect the ongoing dialogue process, and refrain from making statements that could undermine national economic recovery efforts led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,” the statement added.
Dangote Industries Limited, which identifies as Nigeria’s largest private-sector employer, said it places strong emphasis on workforce welfare, safety, and career growth.
It noted that drivers under its new Compressed Natural Gas trucks scheme earn packages more than three times the national minimum wage, along with group insurance, pensions, medical allowances, housing benefits, and access to loans.
The company added that the deployment of 10,000 CNG-powered trucks will generate at least 60,000 direct jobs and numerous indirect opportunities.
It described the N720 billion investment as part of efforts to cut logistics costs, extend the benefits of domestic refining to rural communities, and advance the Federal Government’s energy transition agenda.
Dangote noted that since the refinery’s commissioning a year ago, Nigeria has moved from being Africa’s largest importer of refined fuel to a net exporter, with supplies reaching markets in the United States. It also highlighted its production of by-products such as polypropylene, base oils, and jet fuel, which are boosting growth in plastics, aviation, lubricants, and agro-processing industries.
The company stated that its operations have ended recurring fuel shortages, stabilised prices, and ensured the supply of high-quality products despite challenges from importers of substandard fuel. It added that more than 570,000 jobs have been created across logistics, construction, and maintenance, while host communities have gained access to new roads, power, and water supply.
The company stated that it has evolved into a hub for skills transfer, training thousands of Nigerian engineers and technicians in modern refining practices.
