NUPENG protests Dangote’s anti-union practices

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has accused Aliko Dangote of pursuing an anti-union agenda in the country’s oil and gas sector.

In a joint statement issued on Friday in Abuja by its National President, Williams Akporeha, and Secretary-General, Aflabi Olawale, the union alleged that Dangote and his cousin, Sayyu Dantata, were working to create a monopoly that threatens jobs, unions, and the economic rights of Nigerians.

NUPENG expressed concern over what it described as “unconscionable business practices” by the two businessmen, accusing them of being unwilling to allow union activities within their companies.

“To us, amassing wealth on the basis of enslavement and depriving workers of a union and voice amounts to creating filthy wealth. NUPENG will not stand idly by while these billionaires seek to destroy the livelihoods of thousands of workers, including tanker drivers,” the statement read.

The union also criticized Dangote’s plan to import 10,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks for fuel distribution, alleging that new drivers under the scheme were being compelled to sign agreements barring them from joining existing trade unions.

It described the practice as unconstitutional and contrary to international labour conventions ratified by Nigeria since 1960.

According to the statement, “This is not philanthropy, it is economic sabotage. Dangote’s plan will enslave workers, crush competition, and ultimately raise fuel prices for ordinary Nigerians.”

As a result, NUPENG said members of its Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch would, from Monday, September 8, begin seeking alternative sources of livelihood.

The union urged the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, to intervene.

It also called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and international labour organisations to prepare for mass protests and industrial action.

“Workers are no slaves; to resist unions is to resist collective bargaining.

The working class will not be sacrificed on the altar of corporate greed,” it stated.