The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has accused Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, of denying refinery workers their constitutional right to unionize.
Speaking on Friday during an interview on Arise Television, NUPENG’s National Secretary, Olawale Afolabi, described Dangote’s stance as an affront to Nigeria’s constitution and an attempt to silence workers.
“Nigerians have been enjoying regular supply of petroleum products, and it’s our duty to serve them. But suddenly, somebody came around and said he doesn’t want these members to be unionized,” Afolabi said.
According to him, NUPENG has repeatedly sought to unionize workers at Dangote Refinery, but the company has “resisted every effort,” leaving employees without a voice or representation.
“They don’t want the workers to have any voice or representation while serving,” Afolabi stressed.
He further lamented the treatment of tanker drivers, noting: “Tanker drivers travel night and day to serve, and suddenly they are being discarded.”
Afolabi insisted that NUPENG would continue to press for refinery workers’ right to unionize, saying it is a constitutional matter that cannot be ignored.
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