The Department of State Services (DSS) has summoned both the management of Dangote Refinery & Petrochemicals and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to an emergency meeting amid escalating tensions over workers’ union rights.
The meeting is set for 3:00 p.m. on Friday, and will also include representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other key stakeholders.
Background of the Dispute
On September 9, 2025, Dangote Refinery and NUPENG signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the DSS headquarters in Abuja. The MoU, witnessed by NLC, TUC, government ministers, and labour regulators, was meant to guarantee workers the freedom to join any union of their choice without interference.
However, within 24 hours, NUPENG alleged that Dangote had begun violating the agreement. One major accusation: Dangote allegedly directed drivers to remove NUPENG stickers from their trucks and replace them with stickers from a rival association, the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), which NUPENG claims was created and promoted by company management.
NUPENG’s Position
Union leaders Williams Akporeha (President) and Afolabi Olawale (General Secretary) jointly argued that Dangote’s press statement dated September 11 misrepresented the facts about the agreement and their relationship with workers.
NUPENG claims the company is deploying strategies to “crush” its branch, including erasing union identifiers and supporting a breakaway group. The union also alleges that some individuals who lost past union elections are now serving in leadership roles in DTCDA and are aligned with Dangote’s interests.
They say these actions threaten the freedom of association, a right protected under Nigerian labour law and international conventions.
Dangote’s Response
Dangote Group has denied wrongdoing and insists that membership in trade unions remains voluntary. The company cites compliance with both Nigerian law and International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards.
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Company management argues that the accusations stem from miscommunication or misinterpretation, especially regarding the DTCDA and sticker removals.
Why It Matters
* This dispute touches fundamental labour rights: the ability of workers to freely associate, to choose which union to belong to, and to have representation. These are core to industrial relation laws in Nigeria.
* Given Dangote Refinery’s size and influence in the downstream petroleum sector, how this matter resolves could set precedent for how large private employers interact with unions, especially in new facilities.
* Observers view the conflict as having potential downstream effects on fuel logistics, worker morale, strikes, and possibly price stability, especially if tanker drivers with union messages feel marginalized or coerced.
What to Expect from the DSS Meeting
* Clarification on the supposed breach: DSS will likely demand concrete explanations regarding the sticker removal directive and the alleged imposition of a rival union (DTCDA).
* Involvement of other stakeholders: With NLC, TUC joining, there may be pressure on Dangote to publicly reaffirm the MoU and possibly take corrective action.
* Possible assurances: Dangote may offer internal remedies, disciplinary action for non-compliant supervisors, or improved transparency in communication with workers.
* Monitoring & enforcement: The DSS, given its involvement, may monitor compliance, possibly issue directives to ensure enforcement of workers’ rights.
Beyond The Face-off
The dispute between Dangote Refinery and NUPENG is no small matter. It’s more than logos on trucks or union names on letters—it’s about the principle of worker rights, freedom of association, and industrial justice.
How this is handled could either strengthen Nigeria’s labour relations framework or deepen distrust between industry giants and their workforce.
