Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa has responded to the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) following the union’s criticisms to the price reduction at the Dangote Refinery.
NUPENG referred to the price reduction as a “Greek gift” on the grounds that the refinery was violating workers’ rights and lobbying drivers to join a rival association in order to weaken the Union. The union cautioned Nigerians to be wary of hidden agendas behind the gesture.
Dangote rebutted the claims and insisted that the actions of the refinery are intended to alleviate hardship for the citizenry as well as reduce the costs of distribution. “If, just if, what we provided was a Greek gift, why can’t NUPENG provide Nigerians with a French gift?” he asked, arguing that a gift is a gift regardless of the context.
He clarified that the refinery deploying CNG trucks to filling stations reduced logistics costs and provides an employment avenue. “If you want to know the number of jobs that will be created through this process, you will have at least 24,000 additional jobs in the country,” he said.
He also noted that the refinery has steadily expanded its capacity for exporting fuel. Between June and early September 2025, the refinery exported more than 1.1 billion litres of petrol, generating foreign exchange revenue and demonstrating its contribution outside of the local market.
On the subject of labor, Dangote stated that no workers had been displaced. “We are creating new opportunities for drivers, new opportunities for mechanics, new opportunities for management and the expected salary rate for workers is above the minimum wage,” he said.
The public reaction has been mixed, with many Nigerians on social media welcoming the refinery’s intervention while mocking NUPENG’s criticism. Supporters argue that cheaper fuel and a steady supply are more important than union politics, while others warn that workers’ rights must not be ignored.
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