NUPENG Accuses Dangote of Anti-Union Practices, Threatens Action

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has accused industrialist Aliko Dangote and his cousin, Sayyu Dantata, of pursuing an “anti-union agenda” that threatens workers’ rights and the stability of the oil and gas sector.

In a joint statement issued on Friday in Abuja, NUPENG President, Mr. Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Mr. Afolabi Olawale, alleged that both businessmen were attempting to stifle union activities while consolidating monopoly in the downstream sector.

According to the union, Dangote’s plan to import 10,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks for fuel distribution was designed to exclude existing tanker drivers and undermine labour rights. It further claimed that newly recruited drivers under the scheme were being compelled to sign agreements barring them from joining trade unions, a move NUPENG described as unconstitutional and contrary to international labour conventions ratified by Nigeria.

“This is not philanthropy; it is economic sabotage,” the statement read. “Dangote’s plan will enslave workers, crush competition, and ultimately raise fuel prices for ordinary Nigerians.”

The union warned that beginning Monday, September 8, members of its Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch would begin seeking alternative employment and livelihoods if the alleged anti-union practices continued.

NUPENG called on the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to urgently intervene and prevent what it termed “tyrannical business practices.” It also appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and global labour organisations to prepare for mass protests and possible industrial action in solidarity.

“Workers are not slaves. To resist unions is to resist collective bargaining. The working class will not be sacrificed on the altar of corporate greed,” NUPENG declared.