The controversy surrounding the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the unionisation of its workforce continues to unfold.
This comes after the refinery issued a letter to the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, stating that its drivers had individually opted out of joining the union.
The company reportedly attached signed letters from the employees to support this claim.
The drama continues as Direct Trucking Company Limited, a newly formed logistics subsidiary backed by Dangote, has formally informed NUPENG that its drivers have rejected union membership.
In a letter dated September 30 and signed by the company’s Director, Olosogo Basola, Direct Trucking stated that each of its drivers had independently communicated their decision not to join the union.
The company also informed NUPENG that all dues and entitlements owed to drivers would be paid directly into their personal bank accounts.
Reacting swiftly, NUPENG President, William Akporeha, expressed disappointment, saying the union could not understand the actions of Dangote Refinery’s management.
In a WhatsApp message, Akporeha emphasized that the matter is already in court, questioning the rationale behind the company’s latest move.
MUST READ: Thomas Tuchel Names England Squad, Leaves Out Grealish, Bellingham
NUPENG had earlier disclosed that Direct Trucking Company Limited was established by Dangote in partnership with Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, Chairman of MRS Energy Limited.
According to NUPENG, the trucking firm was reportedly set up to transport fuel and related products directly to filling stations and entrepreneurs, thereby bypassing third-party transporters.
The union insists this should not negate workers’ rights to unionise.
ait.live could not independently verify a report by Sahara Reporters, which claimed that one of the letters, allegedly written by a driver, Musa Adamu Sabo, was addressed to the Managing Director of Dangote Refinery and dated August 1, 2025. In the letter, Sabo was said to have declared his disinterest in joining NUPENG.
In the meantime, on October 1, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, suspended its strike, which began on Sunday, September 28. The decision followed marathon meetings with the Nigerian government on September 29 and 30.
PENGASSAN had embarked on the strike following the dismissal of 800 engineers who had recently joined the union. The dismissals were allegedly linked to accusations of sabotage and a broader restructuring effort at the Dangote Refinery.
As developments continue, both NUPENG and PENGASSAN have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the success of the Dangote Refinery. However, they are urging the company to abide by the principles of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Nigerian Labour Law, and the Trade Union Act, which guarantee freedom of association and the right to unionise.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
