Dangote Refinery has stated clearly that union membership within its operations is voluntary, not compulsory, as tension builds between the company and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG.
In a statement, the refinery said it has never compelled drivers or staff to abandon union rights. It added that its position is backed by the Nigerian Constitution and International Labour Organisation conventions, which guarantee every worker’s freedom of association. The company further claimed it has provided support for recognised unions, including office space, vehicles, and access to members, while allowing dues to be collected.
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But NUPENG is pushing back. The union alleged that some refinery drivers were directed to remove NUPENG stickers from their trucks before gaining access to the facility. In some cases, trucks carrying union identification were reportedly turned back, a move the union describes as a violation of workers’ rights and a breach of the peace pact earlier reached with the company under government mediation.
The deal, brokered by the Ministry of Labour and the Department of State Services, DSS, was supposed to end hostility between the refinery and NUPENG. However, with fresh allegations now emerging, the truce looks shaky.
Union leaders have warned that if Dangote’s management continues to “suppress” workers’ rights, it may trigger industrial action capable of disrupting fuel supply across the country.
Dangote Refinery, on its part, insists it is committed to respecting workers’ freedom and has nothing to hide. For now, Nigerians are watching closely to see if this brewing face-off will die down, or explode into another round of fuel crisis.
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