Dangote Petroleum Refinery has strongly defended its treatment of workers after being accused by a major trade union of preventing employees from joining labour organisations.
The massive oil refinery said joining unions remains completely voluntary at its facilities, as required by Nigerian law and international labour standards. The company denied claims that it forces drivers to sign contracts stopping them from becoming union members.
The dispute centres on allegations made by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), which accused Dangote of suppressing workers’ rights. However, the refinery dismissed these claims as a “distortion of facts” and urged the union to focus on its own internal problems instead.
“It is therefore misplaced to attribute responsibility to Dangote Petroleum Refinery for the personal choices made by drivers regarding union affiliation,” the company said. It advised NUPENG to deal with disputes within its own Petroleum Tanker Drivers unit rather than dragging the refinery into the row.
“We Give Unions Office Space and Cars”
Dangote insisted it maintains good relationships with NUPENG and other recognised unions. The company said it provides office space and a vehicle for NUPENG to operate within the refinery complex, allows union leaders full access to workers, and permits the collection of membership fees without interference.
“We have consistently supported their legitimate activities within our facility,” the refinery stated.
The company described accusations of union suppression as unfounded and claimed they were part of “a broader campaign to undermine private-sector progress.”
Dangote called for NUPENG to work through proper government mediation channels rather than making public statements that could damage Nigeria’s economic recovery efforts.
“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,” the company said.
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570,000 Jobs Created, Fuel Shortages “Largely Eliminated”
As Nigeria’s largest private employer, Dangote Industries highlighted the benefits it provides to workers. The company said its drivers earn three times the national minimum wage and receive group insurance, pensions, medical allowances, housing benefits, and loan access.
The refinery also outlined ambitious expansion plans, including the rollout of 10,000 compressed natural gas trucks. This ₦720 billion investment is expected to create at least 60,000 direct jobs and many more indirect opportunities, supporting the government’s energy transition plans by cutting transport costs and improving fuel distribution to rural areas.
Since opening just over a year ago, the refinery claims to have transformed Nigeria from Africa’s biggest fuel importer into a net exporter, with products now reaching as far as the United States. The facility produces high-value materials like polypropylene, base oils, and jet fuel that are boosting manufacturing, plastics, aviation, and agricultural processing industries.
Dangote said its operations have created over 570,000 jobs across logistics, construction, and maintenance. Local communities have benefited from improved roads, electricity, and water supplies, whilst thousands of Nigerian engineers and technicians have received training in advanced refining technologies.
The company also pointed to its role in domestic gas production, which helps households switch from more expensive cooking fuels and reduces pressure on Nigeria’s foreign currency reserves. Fuel shortages – once a regular problem – have largely disappeared, with prices now more stable across transport, industry, and households.
“Time for others to follow suit”
Addressing claims that it operates as a monopoly, Dangote rejected these as “recycled falsehoods.” The company argued that the real problem is other investors’ reluctance to put money into Nigeria.
“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.
