The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers has condemned what it describes as unlawful, illegal, and unconstitutional anti-union practices by Aliko Dangote and his cousin, Sayyu Aliu Dantata.
This was stated in a joint statement signed by Mr Williams Akporeha, National Executive President, and Mr Aflabi Olawale, Secretary General of the union on Friday in Abuja.
The union alleged that the businessmen are trying to create wealth by depriving workers of their rights, particularly in the distribution of petroleum and diesel products.
NUPENG claimed that Dangote and Dantata were attempting to monopolise crude oil refining and product distribution, while suppressing workers’ rights.
The union accused Dangote and his cousin, Sayyu Dantata, of plotting to create a monopoly that threatened jobs, unions, and the economic rights of Nigerians.
“NUPENG is seriously concerned and disturbed with the unconscionable business practices of Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata and Alhaji Aliko Dangote who are scared of allowing unions to exist in their business outfits.
It reads thus: “To us, amassing wealth on the basis of enslavement, depriving workers of a union and voice amounts to creating filthy wealth.
“NUPENG will not stand idly by while these billionaires seek to destroy the livelihoods of thousands of workers, including tanker drivers”, it added.
The union also raised concerns over Dangote’s plan to import 10,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks for fuel distribution, which NUPENG claimed was a scheme to dominate the downstream sector.
According to NUPENG, new drivers recruited under the scheme are being forced to sign agreements preventing them from joining existing trade unions, a move the union has labeled unconstitutional.
Union leaders stated that this practice violated workers’ rights protected under Nigeria’s Constitution and international labour conventions ratified by the country since 1960.
The union alleged that drivers recruited for Dangote’s imported Compressed Natural Gas trucks were being forced to sign undertakings not to join existing unions in the oil and gas industry.
Instead, a new union would be formed exclusively for them, which NUPENG describes as “enslavement” and “exploitative.
The union is calling on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to exercise its powers under the Petroleum Industry Act to prevent abuse of dominant positions and restrictive business practices.
NUPENG also urged the Federal Government to intervene and ensure compliance with labour laws.
NUPENG has warned that its members would begin seeking alternative employment from September 8, 2025, and may embark on a nationwide strike if Dangote and Dantata persist in their alleged anti-union attitudes.
The union emphasised that workers’ rights to freedom of association could not be compromised.
NUPENG cites Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guaranteed workers’ rights to union membership, and Section 254C(2), which gives ratified International Labour Organisation conventions constitutional backing.
The union also references Section 9(6) of the Labour Act, which prevents penalties against workers for joining trade unions.
