Dangote, NUPENG Clash Over Union Rights

The management of Dangote Refinery has slammed the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over allegations of anti-labour practices, describing the claims as “cheap blackmail.”

NUPENG’s Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch had on Monday, September 8, 2025, embarked on strike, accusing the refinery of forcing new drivers to sign contracts barring them from joining the union.

But in a swift reaction, Dangote Group’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, denied the allegations, insisting the company has never prevented any worker from exercising their right to unionise. “This is nothing but cheap blackmail,” he said.

The strike, which threatened to disrupt fuel distribution nationwide, was suspended after the Federal Ministry of Labour waded in. Dangote Refinery reportedly agreed to allow its employees to freely join unions, with the process expected to be concluded by September 22, 2025.

NUPENG said it would keep a close watch to ensure the agreement is honoured and warned against any victimisation of workers who choose to belong to the union.

Dangote Refinery, located in Lagos, is Africa’s largest, with a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. Any disruption in its operations is seen as a major threat to fuel supply and pricing across the country.