NUPENG Accuses Dangote Refinery of Sponsoring Division Among Tanker Drivers
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers has accused the Dangote Petroleum Refinery of attempting to divide its Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch and resisting workers’ rights to unionisation.
In a statement signed by its National President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, on Thursday, the union described a press release issued by the Dangote Group as “an epitome of unconscionable capitalist falsehood aimed at hoodwinking Nigerians and crushing NUPENG.”
The refinery had earlier dismissed allegations of anti-labour practices, monopolistic behaviour, and planned fuel price hikes, insisting that its workers were free to affiliate with any recognised trade union.
Tensions between both parties escalated on Monday when NUPENG shut down petroleum depots, protesting that newly recruited drivers for the refinery’s 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks were being barred from joining the union. The strike was suspended on Tuesday following a truce brokered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
However, NUPENG on Thursday alleged that Dangote was already violating the agreement. The union claimed that after signing a Memorandum of Understanding on September 9, the refinery instructed drivers two days later to remove NUPENG stickers from their trucks and replace them with those of a newly created Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association, allegedly formed by management.
“Our members have stoutly resisted this development,” the statement read, accusing the refinery of sponsoring parallel structures within the PTD branch since 2023 by recruiting members who lost union elections into the new association.
The union also alleged that some individuals backing the refinery in the media were facing criminal charges and warned Nigerians against what it called the “Greek gift” of free nationwide petroleum delivery, which it claimed was designed to stifle competition and coerce drivers into the company-controlled association.
“It is on record that Dangote Group does not allow unionisation in its cement and sugar plants across Nigeria,” NUPENG alleged, adding that the same “anti-union stance” was now being extended to refinery workers.
The union urged Nigerians and the international community to resist any attempt to deny tanker drivers and refinery workers their right to freedom of association, stressing that its leaders must not be harmed in the course of the struggle.
Dangote Group, in its defence, reiterated its support for constitutionally protected labour rights and dismissed the accusations as false and misleading.
