The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has accused billionaire Aliko Dangote of pushing an anti-union agenda in the oil and gas sector.
In a statement signed by President Williams Akporeha and Secretary-General Aflabi Olawale, the union alleged that Dangote and his cousin, Sayyu Dantata, were plotting to dominate the sector at the expense of workers’ rights.
“NUPENG is disturbed by the business practices of Dangote and Dantata, who are determined to stop unions from existing in their companies. Wealth built on the enslavement of workers is filthy wealth,” the union said.
The group also faulted Dangote’s plan to import 10,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks, describing it as a scheme to monopolize fuel distribution. According to NUPENG, new drivers are being forced to sign agreements barring them from joining unions, a move the union labeled unconstitutional.
“This is not philanthropy; it is economic sabotage. Dangote’s plan will enslave workers, crush competition, and raise fuel prices for Nigerians,” it warned.
NUPENG said its Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch would begin seeking alternative jobs from September 8 and urged the Federal Government to intervene through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
It also called on the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and international labour bodies to prepare for mass protests.
“Workers are not slaves. The working class will not be sacrificed on the altar of corporate greed,” the union declared.
