The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has accused Aliko Dangote and his cousin, Sayyu Aliu Dantata, of plotting to monopolize Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas distribution and suppress workers’ rights.
This accusation stems from Dangote’s announcement to import 10,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks to distribute petroleum and diesel products nationwide.
NUPENG claims that the move is a strategy to dominate crude oil refining and nationwide product distribution, while also crushing competition and enslaving workers.
According to NUPENG, a meeting with Dantata revealed that newly recruited drivers for the trucks wouldn’t be allowed to join existing unions; instead, a new company-controlled union would be created.
The union alleges that MRS Energy has already begun recruitment under these conditions, forcing workers to sign undertakings not to affiliate with NUPENG or other oil and gas unions.
NUPENG described this as “economic sabotage” and accused Dangote and Dantata of betrayal, saying they had supported the Dangote Refinery project in good faith, expecting job creation and economic growth under fair labor conditions.
NUPENG has called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to prevent monopolistic practices and protect competition.
The union emphasized that Nigeria, as a member of the International Labour Organisation, has ratified the Convention on Freedom of Association, guaranteeing workers the right to join unions without prior authorization.
With tensions escalating, NUPENG announced that its Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch members would begin seeking alternative livelihoods from September 8, 2025, and warned of mass industrial action if their demands aren’t met.
