Union Membership Voluntary, Not Compulsory – Dangote Refinery

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reaffirmed that association with any trade union remains strictly voluntary, in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions. The company stressed that it neither interferes with nor restricts its employees’ right to freely join legally recognised trade unions.

The statement was issued amid what the company described as distortion of facts by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) concerning the refinery’s trade relations with its workforce.

Dangote Refinery reaffirmed its adherence to both Nigerian and international labour laws, stressing that trade union membership remains a voluntary choice.

Addressing allegations that drivers were forced to sign contracts barring union membership, the refinery categorically denied such claims. It advised NUPENG to focus on addressing its dispute with Petrol Tanker Drivers (PTDs), rather than embroiling Dangote in its conflicts with the unit.

“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 also dismissed accusations of union suppression as unfounded, viewing them as part of a broader campaign to undermine private sector progress. The company underscored its longstanding respect for labour rights and commitment to employee welfare and workplace safety.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery maintained that it has consistently supported labour unions, including NUPENG, by providing office space, operational vehicle for it within the refinery and granting full access to their members and operations.

“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 said.

It reiterated its support for ongoing mediation efforts by the Ministry of Labour and called on NUPENG to prioritise dialogue over disruption.

“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,” it said.

As Nigeria’s largest private-sector employer, Dangote Industries Limited said it operates to internationally benchmarked standards. The welfare, safety, and career progression of its workforce remain paramount, contributing to its reputation as one of Africa’s most desirable employers.

The company outlined the structure of its new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered trucks fleet, comprising teams of drivers, engineers, and logistics personnel. Drivers enjoy compensation packages three times above the National Minimum Wage, alongside group insurance, pensions, medical allowances, housing benefits, and access to housing loans.

Far from threatening jobs, the rollout of 10,000 CNG-powered trucks is projected to generate at least 60,000 direct and many more indirect jobs, bolstering economic inclusion and poverty reduction. This N720 billion investment supports the Federal Government’s energy transition roadmap by lowering logistics costs, enhancing distribution, and ensuring rural communities benefit from domestic refining.

Since the refinery’s commissioning just over a year ago, Nigeria has transformed from Africa’s largest importer of refined fuel to a net exporter, reaching markets including the United States. The refinery’s production of high-value by-products such as polypropylene, base oils, and jet fuel is stimulating growth in manufacturing, plastics, aviation, lubricants, and agro-processing.

Dangote further emphasised its contribution to cleaner energy through domestic LPG production, supporting households’ transition to LPG and reducing reliance on imported fuel, which has historically strained foreign exchange reserves.

Fuel scarcity, once a recurring crisis, has largely been eliminated, with prices stabilising and relief delivered to transport operators, industries, and households. Despite challenges from some market players importing substandard products, Dangote has consistently supplied high-quality refined fuel through trusted channels.

The refinery’s operations have created over 570,000 jobs across logistics, maintenance, and construction sectors. Surrounding communities have benefitted from improved infrastructure including roads, power, and water supply.

Moreover, the refinery has become a centre for skills transfer and technological advancement, training thousands of Nigerian engineers and technicians in modern refining techniques.

Dangote concluded by reaffirming its commitment to the country’s development.

“As for claims of monopoly, we reject these as recycled falsehoods. The greater concern lies in the inaction of those with the means to invest in Nigeria, who instead choose to remain on the side lines. At Dangote, we have chosen to invest boldly in Nigeria’s future and we will continue to do so. It is time others follow suit,” the statement concluded.