Dangote Refinery Denies NUPENG Allegations, Pledges 60,000 Jobs and Cheaper Fuel in Nigeria’s Energy Transition

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has rejected allegations by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), reaffirming its commitment to workers’ rights, large-scale job creation, and Nigeria’s ongoing shift to cleaner energy. In a statement released on Thursday, the company said it remains dedicated to making fuel more affordable while strengthening competition in the downstream sector.

Addressing claims of union suppression, Dangote stated that all employees are free to join recognised trade unions and denied any form of coercion. It highlighted its welfare package—which includes above-minimum-wage salaries, health insurance, housing allowances and pensions—as evidence of its pro-labour stance. The company urged NUPENG to engage in constructive dialogue rather than actions that could undermine economic recovery.

The refinery underscored its N720 billion compressed natural gas (CNG) truck initiative as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy transition. Rather than displacing workers, the programme is projected to create over 60,000 direct jobs nationwide. Dangote described the scheme as a way to build new skills and enhance the livelihoods of Nigerians in an evolving energy market.

On accusations of monopolistic behaviour, Dangote stressed that Nigeria’s downstream sector remains deregulated with multiple refinery projects under way. It said its entry has revitalised competition, slashed diesel prices by more than 30 per cent, and stabilised petrol supply—making fuel cheaper in Nigeria than in neighbouring countries. The company also rejected fears of planned price hikes, noting it has absorbed costs to keep fuel prices stable.

Since its commissioning just over a year ago, the refinery claims to have turned Nigeria into a net exporter of refined fuels, contributed to foreign-exchange stability, and created more than 570,000 direct and indirect jobs. Dangote added that its investments have boosted local infrastructure and skills development, positioning Nigeria as Africa’s refining hub and a driver of sustainable growth.

source: Arise