On September 5, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural
Gas Workers (NUPENG) said workers will down their tools and commence a strike
from September 8 in protest of alleged anti-union practices by Dangote
refinery.

The union, however, suspended the industrial action on
September 9, after the intervention of the federal government, regulators, and
stakeholders.

On September 11, NUPENG said it had placed all its members
on red alert for the resumption of its suspended nationwide industrial action
over a fresh disagreement with the refinery.

In a statement on Thursday, Dangote refinery denied the
allegations, insisting that claims of anti-labour practices were “entirely
unfounded”.

Dangote refinery emphasised its full support for
constitutionally protected labour rights, stating that employees are free to
affiliate with any recognised trade union.

“Assertions that drivers are compelled to waive union rights
are categorically false,” the statement reads.

The refinery said the dispute involves NUPENG’s petrol
tanker drivers (PTD) unit and does not implicate the refinery in any
infringement of rights.

Dangote refinery also denied NUPENG’s allegations that the
roll-out of over 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered bulk trucks could
displace existing jobs, describing the initiative as a mainstay of Nigeria’s
energy transition strategy.

“The deployment of CNG-powered trucks is a strategic
initiative designed to support national energy transition goals, not to
displace existing jobs,” the company said.

“Each truck will be operated by a six-person team, with
drivers receiving salaries significantly above the national minimum wage, plus
medical cover, pensions, housing allowances, and long-term access to housing
loans.

“The company aims to have 10,000 such trucks in operation by
year-end, potentially creating over 60,000 direct jobs.”

Responding to accusations of monopolistic behaviour, Dangote
refinery emphasised its compliance with Nigeria’s deregulated oil sector under
the supervision of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory
Authority (NMDPRA).

The company highlighted that over 30 refinery licences have
been issued to private players, “with active developments by BUA, Aradel,
Walter Smith, and the Edo Refinery”.

“While we are major industry player, our presence has
revitalised the downstream sector, reopened previously dormant petrol stations
and restored investor confidence,” the refinery said.

‘NO PLANS TO INCREASE FUEL PRICES’

Dangote refinery also denied any plans to increase fuel
prices, saying its operations have stabilised fuel availability and driven down
costs.

“Diesel prices, for instance, have dropped by over 30% in
the past year, and petrol prices in Nigeria are now reportedly lower than in
oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia and 40% cheaper than neighbouring West
African countries,” the refinery said.

The company also said its N720 billion investment in CNG
infrastructure shows its commitment to reducing logistics costs and improving
nationwide fuel distribution.

Dangote refinery said it maintains a cordial and cooperative
relationship with all recognised trade unions, including NUPENG, denying
accusations of walking out on recent conciliation efforts.

The refinery added that the union “had not formally
communicated any grievances before going public”.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the intervention of the
Federal Government, particularly the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and
remain fully supportive of ongoing efforts to achieve a lasting resolution,”
the refinery said.

“We hold both the Minister, Dr Mohammed Dingyadi (Katuka
Sokoto) and Mrs. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, in the highest regards, and reject any
suggestion that we have acted in a manner that would undermine their
involvement. The Hon. Minister granted Mallam Sayyu Dantata the permit to
enable him attend to his medication.”

Reiterating its commitment to responsible business, Dangote
refinery described “monopoly allegations” as “recycled falsehoods,” urging
other private sector players to follow its lead in investing in Nigeria’s
economic future.