.Put members on red alert
.Dangote Refinery dismisses union’s allegations, reaffirms commitment to labour rights, economic devt
.As resident doctors declare 5-day nationwide warning strike
UFOMBA UZUEGBU and SYLVESTER AKOR, Abuja
The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), has accused the Dangote group of alleged negation of the resolutions reached and signed by both parties, on the right of unionization of workers of Dangote Refinery.
It said it has placed members on red alert for the commencement of the suspended nationwide industrial action to press their demands.
The Union alleged in a statement made available to Daily Champion today, Thursday, September 11, that Alhaji Sayyu Alia Dantata had on Wednesday, September 10, instructed his Truck Drivers who are NUPENG-PTD members for several years to remove the Union stickers from their trucks.
The statement signed by Comrades William Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale, President and General Secretary, respectively, said that today, Thursday, September 11, he (Dantata) instructed them to forcefully drive into Dangote Refinery to load and Union officials stopped them from entering the Refinery to load because their trucks violated Union loading rules and regulations.
“Alhaji Aliu Dantata flew over them several times with his helicopter and then called the Navy of the Federal Republic to come over ostensibly to crush us , the Union officials. Our members are waiting for him and his agents to run them over”, it alleged
NUPENG called on the Federal Government not to allow the Navy and other security agents to be used with impunity against the laws and people of this country.
It charged the security agents not to allow any individual ride roughshod with impunity, even while not observing the terms and agreements reached in meetings with security agents facilitated along with Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria . s
“We are by this statement placing all our members on red alert for the resumption of the suspended nationwide industrial action”, the statement added.
NUPENG called on the NLC and TUC, to rise in support and solidarity against alleged threat of the Capitalist world.
.Dangote Refinery dismisses union’s allegations, reaffirms commitment to labour rights, economic devt
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed recent allegations made by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), insisting that claims of anti-labour practices, monopolistic behaviour, and planned fuel price hikes are “entirely unfounded”.
The union’s statement, released on 5 September, and subsequent media appearances, alleged that Dangote Group was undermining union activities and threatening workers’ welfare through its new deployment of compressed natural gas (CNG) powered trucks.
In its official response, Dangote Refinery reiterated 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 said, adding that the dispute involves NUPENG’s Petrol Tanker Drivers (PTD) unit and does not implicate the refinery in any breach of rights.
Central to NUPENG’s allegations is the roll-out of over 4,000 CNG-powered bulk trucks, which the union claims could displace existing jobs. Dangote Group firmly refuted this, describing the initiative as a cornerstone 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 stated. 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 management said.
The statement also drew parallels with the company’s influence in the cement industry, noting that Dangote’s entry helped eliminate Nigeria’s reliance on imports and spurred the rise of other local producers.
Dangote Refinery strongly denied any plans to increase fuel prices. On the contrary, the company claims 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 company also pointed to its N720 billion investment in CNG infrastructure as evidence of its commitment to reducing logistics costs and improving nationwide fuel distribution.
Dangote stated it maintains a cordial and cooperative relationship with all recognised trade unions, including NUPENG. It rejected accusations of walking out on recent conciliation efforts, stating 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. 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,” the company said, expressing appreciation for the roles played by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and key ministers involved in mediating the dispute.
Since its commissioning just over a year ago, Dangote Refinery has transformed Nigeria into a net exporter of refined fuels, supplying markets as far as the United States. Its production of key by-products such as polypropylene, LPG, and naphtha is said to be catalysing growth in manufacturing, aviation, and agro-processing sectors.
The company also noted that its domestic LPG supply has led to a noticeable drop in cooking gas prices, promoting cleaner household energy use and reducing dependency on firewood and kerosene.
With over 570,000 direct and indirect jobs created, including through road, power, and water infrastructure projects, Dangote Refinery has positioned itself as a centre for skills development and technology transfer in Nigeria.
Reiterating its commitment to responsible business, Dangote Group concluded by dismissing the monopoly allegations as “recycled falsehoods”, urging other private sector players to follow its lead in investing in Nigeria’s economic future.
“At Dangote, we have chosen to invest boldly in Nigeria’s future and we will continue to do so. It is time others follow suit.”
.As resident doctors declare 5-day nationwide warning strike
Similarly, the National Association of Resident Doctors has declared a five-day warning strike commencing from Friday, 12th September 2025, to actualize their demands.
This was contained in a statement on Thursday by the General Secretary, Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Agbor Affiong.
The decision to embark on the warning strike was reached after the NARD online National Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, which extended to the early hours of Thursday, 11th September 2025.
The statement read in part: “Arising from the NARD E-NEC meeting held on Wednesday, the 10th of September, 2025, which extended into the early hours of Thursday, the 11th of September, 2025, the NEC members unanimously resolved to embark on a five-day warning strike.
“The strike will commence at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, 12th September 2025, and will end on Tuesday, 16th September 2025.
“All centres are hereby directed to duly inform their hospital managements and continue to press home our collective demands,” the statement reads.
Earlier, NARD President, Osundara Zenith, on Tuesday said that its members planned to shut down the country’s public hospitals to demand action over poor working conditions, shortage of power, downgrading of certificates, poor remuneration, and other reasons.
Recall that FCT ARD are currently on a seven-day warning strike which started on Monday this week.
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