The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) is sounding the alarm over the Dangote refinery’s recent offer of free petrol delivery, labeling it a “Greek gift” with a hidden, harmful agenda.
The term “Greek gift” refers to a present given with the intention of harming the recipient, and NUPENG’s leadership believes this is exactly what’s happening. The union alleges that the refinery’s offer is a strategic move to undercut and ultimately eliminate other employers of petrol truck drivers (PTD).
In a statement signed by NUPENG President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, the union accused the refinery of a calculated attempt to dismantle its union presence. They claim the company’s goal is to ensure that only drivers employed directly by Dangote—who are allegedly forced to join a new, company-formed union called the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA)—remain employed.
“Nigerians should not be deceived,” the statement warned. “Everything is targeted at crushing NUPENG and its PTD Branch.”
Allegations of Union-Busting
NUPENG also alleges that the Dangote refinery is actively preventing other operational and administrative workers from joining the union. This move, they say, denies workers their fundamental right to freedom of association.
This conflict is the latest in a series of disputes between NUPENG and the Dangote refinery. Just last week, the union put its members on high alert for a nationwide strike. The refinery, however, has denied NUPENG’s accusations, calling them “unfounded fabricated lies.” The company insists that its dispute is with the petrol tanker drivers’ unit and not the union as a whole.
In response, NUPENG doubled down on its claims, alleging that the refinery has been sponsoring a division within its PTD branch since 2023. The union also reiterated that the refinery is mandating the removal of NUPENG stickers from all trucks, to be replaced by those of the new DTCDA.
NUPENG stated that its members have “stoutly resisted this development,” setting the stage for a potential showdown over the rights of petroleum workers across the country.
