Dangote: Workers free to join unions, not obligation

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has clarified that joining a trade union within its workforce is entirely voluntary, in line with the Nigerian Constitution and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.

The company issued the statement in response to what it described as “misrepresentation of facts” by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) regarding its labour practices.

It dismissed claims that drivers were compelled to sign contracts barring them from union membership, stressing that such allegations were “baseless and misleading.” The refinery urged NUPENG to focus on resolving its internal dispute with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) unit rather than dragging Dangote into unrelated conflicts.

“Union membership is a personal choice, and it is wrong to attribute those choices to Dangote Petroleum Refinery,” the statement read.

The company also rejected accusations of union suppression, maintaining that it has consistently supported organised labour by providing NUPENG office space, an operational vehicle, and access to its members and operations within the facility.

Reaffirming its commitment to labour rights, employee welfare, and workplace safety, Dangote said it supports mediation efforts led by the Ministry of Labour and urged NUPENG to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation.

“As Nigeria’s largest private-sector employer, our operations adhere to international labour standards. We urge NUPENG to act in good faith, respect the dialogue process, and avoid statements that could undermine ongoing economic recovery efforts,” it added.

Highlighting its investment in cleaner energy, the company outlined the rollout of 10,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks, projected to create over 60,000 direct jobs. Drivers in the fleet, it said, earn compensation packages three times higher than the national minimum wage, alongside benefits such as insurance, pensions, housing support, and medical allowances.

Dangote emphasised that since its commissioning, the refinery has boosted Nigeria’s energy security by eliminating fuel scarcity, stabilising prices, and transforming the country into a net exporter of refined petroleum products.

It also pointed to wider economic benefits, including the creation of over 570,000 jobs, expansion of domestic LPG supply, and the growth of by-product industries such as aviation fuel, plastics, and lubricants.

The refinery further noted its contribution to skills transfer and community development through infrastructure projects and training programmes for Nigerian engineers and technicians.

Rejecting claims of monopoly, Dangote maintained that its investment was a bold commitment to Nigeria’s future.

“Those with the means to invest should join in building the nation, rather than standing on the sidelines,” the statement concluded.