Dangote Petroleum Refinery has escalated its ongoing dispute with oil and gas sector unions, accusing them of a “calculated campaign of economic sabotage” aimed at undermining its operations. In an advertorial published on Sunday, the company insisted that its plan to deploy compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks for fuel distribution has been met with deliberate misinformation from vested interests.
The refinery’s statement is a direct response to a series of criticisms from the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN). NUPENG had previously dismissed the refinery’s initiative to offer free nationwide petrol delivery as a “Greek gift” and accused the company of anti-union practices. DAPPMAN followed suit, calling the free delivery promise “misleading” and claiming that marketers were forced to lift at least 25% of their allocations directly from the refinery’s gantry using Dangote-owned trucks.
Dangote Refinery’s statement rejected these claims, arguing that the unions’ reactions were not based on genuine concerns but rather a move to hinder a transformative step towards Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency. The company said its investment in CNG-powered trucks, which is part of a plan to roll out 10,000 trucks by the end of the year, will significantly reduce logistics costs and help stabilize pump prices.
In a strong counter-attack, the refinery also brought up the 2022 controversy surrounding adulterated fuel. The company’s statement alleged that a DAPPMAN member had supplied petrol with more than 15% methanol, causing widespread engine damage for thousands of customers. The refinery also accused the unions of promoting the idea that petrol was cheaper in Togo, stating that a simple check reveals the pump price in Lomé is equivalent to ₦1,826 per liter.
The ongoing standoff has been tense. NUPENG suspended a nationwide strike against the refinery on September 9, but two days later threatened fresh industrial action, further fueling the conflict. The company has maintained that it is not opposed to unionization and has rejected claims of trying to impose an in-house union on its drivers. The feud highlights a deep-seated conflict between the new market entrant and established players who have long dominated the oil and gas sector.
