Dangote Petroleum Refinery has rejected allegations by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers that it barred tanker drivers from union membership, describing claims of anti-labour practices, monopolistic conduct, and plans to raise fuel prices as “baseless.”

NUPENG had on Monday shut down depots, alleging that Dangote prevented newly hired drivers of its 4,000 compressed natural gas trucks from joining the union.

In a statement issued on Thursday by group spokesman Anthony Chiejina, Dangote maintained that it was neither undermining union activities nor threatening workers’ welfare through the rollout of its CNG-powered trucks.

The company reaffirmed its respect for constitutionally guaranteed labour rights, stressing 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.

added that the dispute is limited to NUPENG’s Petrol Tanker Drivers unit and does not amount to any violation of workers’ rights by the refinery.

NUPENG’s concerns centre on the deployment of over 4,000 CNG-powered bulk trucks, which it argues may displace existing jobs. Dangote Group dismissed the claim, stressing that the initiative is integral to advancing Nigeria’s energy transition.

“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 claims of monopolistic behaviour, Dangote Petroleum Refinery stressed that it operates fully within Nigeria’s deregulated oil market, under the oversight of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

The company noted that more than 30 refinery licences have been granted to private operators, with active projects underway 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 further compared the refinery’s role to Dangote’s impact in the cement sector, where its entry ended Nigeria’s dependence on imports and encouraged the growth of other local producers.

It also firmly denied any intention to raise fuel prices. Instead, the company maintained that its operations have improved supply and reduced costs, noting that diesel prices have fallen by more than 30 percent in the past year, while petrol now sells at rates lower than in oil-rich Saudi Arabia and about 40 per cent below those in neighbouring West African countries.

Meanwhile, NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, in a statement on Thursday, accused the Dangote Group of disregarding an agreement reached on Tuesday at the Department of State Services.

The union alleged that the company ordered its truck drivers to remove NUPENG stickers from their vehicles that same day, and by the next morning instructed them to forcefully enter the refinery premises to load products.

According to Akporeha, union officials intervened, citing violations of loading procedures. He further claimed that Aliko Dangote flew over the scene in a helicopter and later called 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.