- Safiu Kehinde
Dangote Group has debunked claims of anti-labour activities in its refinery operation, stressing that the group is not against unionism.
The refinery had over the week been at loggerhead with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
NUPENG had accused the Dangote Group CEO, Aliko Dangote, and his cousin, Sayyu Dantata, of alleged plot to monopolise the oil and gas sector with the planned importation of 10,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)- powered trucks.
The union disclosed the alleged plan by the businessmen to hire independent drivers who will be prevented from joining NUPENG.
This had led to the union embarking on a nationwide strike last week Monday which was short-lived by the Federal Government.
While the union called off the strike after the FG brokered truce between both parties, drama would again ensue on Friday as NUPENG mobilised its members to barricade the entrance of Dangote refinery with their trucks, accusing the refinery of breeching their agreement.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on its official X handle on Saturday, Dangote maintained that it is not against unionism.
It however noted that it has an obligation to protect the right of workers who choose to join the union as well as those who choose not to.
The refinery pledged to continue engaging with relevant stakeholders while reiterating its commitment to the respect of workers’ rights without threat to their personal well-being or source of income.