In a decisive response to recent claims, Dangote Refinery clarifies union membership is entirely voluntary for its employees, reaffirming compliance with Nigeria’s Constitution and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
Dangote Refinery Clarifies union membership in a statement issued on Wednesday following what it described as distortions of facts propagated by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) regarding employee union affiliation.
The company emphasised that it does not interfere with workers’ rights to freely join recognised trade unions.
“It is therefore misplaced to attribute responsibility to Dangote Petroleum Refinery for personal choices made by drivers regarding union affiliation,” the statement read.
Dangote Refinery Clarifies union membership comes after allegations that drivers under the refinery’s new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative were coerced into signing agreements restricting union membership.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery dismissed these claims as unfounded and reiterated that all employees retain the freedom to join unions of their choice.
The refinery further highlighted its ongoing support for union activities within its facilities. This includes providing office space, enabling dues collection, and facilitating member engagement.
In this regard, Dangote Refinery clarifies union membership is a voluntary decision that does not affect employment, career progression, or remuneration packages.
In the statement, the company urged NUPENG to focus on resolving internal disputes within the Petrol Tanker Drivers unit, rather than embroiling the refinery in ongoing conflicts.
It stressed that the allegations of union suppression form part of a broader narrative aimed at undermining private sector progress.
“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 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,” the refinery added.
Dangote Industries Limited, Nigeria’s largest private-sector employer, emphasised workforce welfare as a key priority.
Dangote Refinery clarifies union, that drivers under the 10,000 CNG-powered truck initiative receive compensation packages three times above the national minimum wage.
Benefits include group insurance, pensions, medical allowances, housing support, and access to loans.
The initiative is expected to create over 60,000 direct jobs and many more indirect opportunities, while significantly lowering logistics costs and supporting the Federal Government’s energy transition plan.
The refinery’s N720 billion investment aims to expand domestic refining benefits to rural communities, foster industrial growth, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a net fuel exporter.
Since commissioning a year ago, the refinery has helped Nigeria transition from being Africa’s largest importer of refined fuel to a net exporter, reaching international markets including the United States.
By producing by-products such as polypropylene, base oils, and jet fuel, the refinery has contributed to growth in plastics, aviation, lubricants, and agro-processing sectors.
The company also highlighted its role in stabilising domestic fuel supply, eliminating recurring scarcity, and ensuring high-quality petroleum products.
Host communities have benefited from improved infrastructure, including new roads, electricity, and water supply, while over 570,000 jobs have been created across logistics, construction, and maintenance sectors.
In response to claims of market monopolisation, Dangote Petroleum Refinery dismissed the allegations as “recycled falsehoods.”
The company urged other investors to actively participate in Nigeria’s energy sector rather than remaining on the sidelines. “At Dangote, we have chosen to invest boldly in Nigeria’s future, and we will continue to do so,” the statement read.
By maintaining transparency and ensuring that union membership remains voluntary, Dangote Refinery clarifies union membership as a part of its commitment to legal compliance, employee rights, and national economic development.
With continued support for union rights, strong employee welfare programs, and investments in cutting-edge energy infrastructure, Dangote Petroleum Refinery positions itself as a key driver of Nigeria’s energy transition.
The company maintains that voluntary union membership strengthens both labour relations and overall industrial harmony, setting a standard for private sector engagement in the country.