Aliko Dangote, has stated that truck drivers in his employment earn approximately four times Nigeria’s national minimum wage, and in many instances, exceed the pay given to university graduates.
Dangote told Arise Television that cargo drivers are paid between ₦210,000 and ₦280,000 per month, while the national minimum wage is ₦70,000. This reflects the company’s commitment to employee satisfaction.
“Our drivers earn more than graduates, if you look at the pay structure at the end of the month it is almost four times the national minimum wage,” he stated.
He also added that a truck operation would likely have six people assigned, so the truck operates efficiently and safely. Dangote went on to mention that drivers who do not have any accidents over a five-year time period can apply for housing loans to further assist in contributing to their standard of living and welfare.
He pushed back on claims of a shortage of jobs for workers with a new fleet of trucks, as the operations are going to create over 24,000 new jobs in Nigeria.
The billionaire added that workers in the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) should feel free to join or leave if they are not interested, as workers have the right to choose their union.
Dangote’s comments appear to reflect concerns about the high rate of unemployment and underemployment among graduates, which remains a major issue in the country. Many entry-level graduates in Nigeria struggle to find jobs that offer comparable pay, thus fuelling ongoing debates about education, opportunity, and wage disparities.
Dangote’s primary focus remains on expanding opportunities. He claims that by linking higher wages to productivity, safety, and job creation, his company’s model can lead to both economic growth and improved worker welfare.
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