Dangote Refinery Responds to NUPENG Allegations, Reaffirms Dedication to Labour Rights, Financial Growth

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed latest allegations made by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Pure Fuel Staff (NUPENG), insisting that claims of anti-labour practices, monopolistic behaviour, and deliberate gasoline value hikes are “fully unfounded”.

The union’s assertion, launched on 5 September, and subsequent media appearances, alleged that Dangote Group was undermining union actions and threatening employees’ welfare by means of its new deployment of compressed pure gasoline (CNG) powered vans.

In its official response, Dangote Refinery reiterated its full help for constitutionally protected labour rights, stating that workers are free to affiliate with any recognised commerce union. “Assertions that drivers are compelled to waive union rights are categorically false,” the assertion stated, including that the dispute entails NUPENG’s Petrol Tanker Drivers (PTD) unit and doesn’t implicate the refinery in any breach of rights.

Central to NUPENG’s allegations is the roll-out of over 4,000 CNG-powered bulk vans, which the union claims may displace current jobs. Dangote Group firmly refuted this, describing the initiative as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s power transition technique.

“The deployment of CNG-powered vans is a strategic initiative designed to help nationwide power transition objectives, to not displace current jobs,” the corporate said. Every truck might be operated by a six-person workforce, with drivers receiving salaries considerably above the nationwide minimal wage, plus medical cowl, pensions, housing allowances, and long-term entry to housing loans. The corporate goals to have 10,000 such vans in operation by year-end, probably creating over 60,000 direct jobs.

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

The corporate highlighted that over 30 refinery licences have been issued to non-public gamers, with lively developments by BUA, Aradel, Walter Smith, and the Edo Refinery. “Whereas we’re main trade participant, our presence has revitalised the downstream sector, reopened beforehand dormant petrol stations and restored investor confidence,” the administration stated.

The assertion additionally drew parallels with the corporate’s affect within the cement trade, noting that Dangote’s entry helped remove Nigeria’s reliance on imports and spurred the rise of different native producers.

Dangote Refinery strongly denied any plans to extend gasoline costs. Quite the opposite, the corporate claims its operations have stabilised gasoline availability and pushed down prices. Diesel costs, as an example, have dropped by over 30% up to now yr, and petrol costs in Nigeria at the moment are reportedly decrease than in oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia and 40% cheaper than neighbouring West African international locations.

The firm additionally pointed to its N720 billion funding in CNG infrastructure as proof of its dedication to lowering logistics prices and enhancing nationwide gasoline distribution.

Dangote said it maintains a cordial and cooperative relationship with all recognised commerce unions, together with NUPENG. It rejected accusations of strolling out on latest conciliation efforts, stating that the union had not formally communicated any grievances earlier than going public. 

“We acknowledge and recognize the intervention of the Federal Authorities, significantly the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and stay absolutely supportive of ongoing efforts to attain a long-lasting decision. We maintain each the Minister, Dr Mohammed Dingyadi (Katuka Sokoto) and Mrs. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, within the highest regards, and reject any suggestion that we have now acted in a fashion that may undermine their involvement. The Hon. Minister granted Mallam Sayyu Dantata the allow to allow him attend to his medicine,” the corporate stated, expressing appreciation for the roles performed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and key ministers concerned in mediating the dispute.

Since its commissioning simply over a yr in the past, Dangote Refinery has remodeled Nigeria right into a web exporter of refined fuels, supplying markets so far as the US. Its manufacturing of key by-products equivalent to polypropylene, LPG, and naphtha is alleged to be catalysing development in manufacturing, aviation, and agro-processing sectors.

The corporate additionally famous that its home LPG provide has led to a noticeable drop in cooking gasoline costs, selling cleaner family power use and lowering dependency on firewood and kerosene.

With over 570,000 direct and oblique jobs created, together with by means of highway, energy, and water infrastructure initiatives, Dangote Refinery has positioned itself as a centre for expertise growth and know-how switch in Nigeria.

Reiterating its dedication to accountable enterprise, Dangote Group concluded by dismissing the monopoly allegations as “recycled falsehoods”, urging different non-public sector gamers to comply with its lead in investing in Nigeria’s financial future.

“At Dangote, we have now chosen to take a position boldly in Nigeria’s future and we’ll proceed to take action. It’s time others comply with swimsuit.”