DSS steps in as NUPENG accuses Dangote refinery of union rights violations
The Department of State Services (DSS) has intervened by summoning the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, alongside the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), to an emergency meeting stemming from rising tensions surrounding allegations of a breach of an agreement on workers’ rights to choose their union.
The scheduled meeting, set for 3 p.m. this Friday, will be attended by representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other prominent stakeholders.
Just days ago, on September 9, Dangote and NUPENG signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the DSS Headquarters in Abuja, which was meant to guarantee workers the freedom to join any union without interference.
This signing was witnessed by officials from the NLC, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), government ministers, and other key figures.
However, less than 24 hours following the MoU’s signing, NUPENG accused Dangote’s management of violating the agreement—an allegation that Dangote has categorically denied.
Today, the union reiterated its claims, asserting that the Dangote Group has been “economical with the truth.”
In a joint statement from NUPENG President Prince Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, the union criticized Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s September 11, 2025 press release for what they described as misrepresentations regarding the company’s relationship with its workers.
The statement noted, “The press statement by Dangote Petroleum Refinery… further confirms the company’s aim to crush our union, NUPENG, as well as stifle competition…”
The union claimed that the Dangote Group is mischaracterizing the existence of a “faction of tanker drivers” and challenged the company to encourage this alleged faction to abandon their strike, which NUPENG asserts was effective and peaceful.
Additionally, NUPENG reported that just after the MoU was signed, Dangote Refinery ordered the removal of NUPENG stickers from all trucks, replacing them with those of the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA). “Our members have firmly resisted this directive,” the statement emphasized.
The union also mentioned concerns over individuals who had previously lost elections within the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch, now acting as representatives for the DTCDA and leveraging media opportunities in support of the company.
“Some of them have been granting interviews to local and international media in support of the company,” the statement read, adding that several of these individuals are facing criminal charges related to violent crimes.
NUPENG cautioned the public not to be misled by what they termed Dangote’s deceptive offering of free nationwide fuel delivery, labeling it as a tactic to hinder competition and eliminate NUPENG’s influence.
The statement emphasized, “It is also important to note that, apart from tanker drivers, the refinery’s operational and administrative staff have been obstructed from exercising their right to unionise.”
As of now, the Dangote Group has not responded to the latest allegations but maintained in earlier statements that affiliation with any trade union at its refinery is strictly voluntary, in accordance with Nigerian law and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
Source: Vanguard newspaper
