Dangote refinery rolls out 4,000 CNG trucks, fights back against NUPENG’s ‘monopoly’ claims
Story from Martha Gwary
The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced the deployment of 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) powered trucks from his refinery.
He made the announcement on Monday at the Dangote Industries Free Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, during the first anniversary of the refinery’s petrol production.
The new fleet of trucks, Dangote said, will create at least 24,000 jobs nationwide and is not an attempt to create a monopoly, as alleged by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
NUPENG had previously accused the Dangote Refinery of trying to undermine the operations of petroleum tanker drivers with its direct distribution model, which includes free nationwide delivery of products to filling stations. The union described this initiative as a “Greek gift” and warned Nigerians to be cautious.
In response, Dangote maintained that the CNG trucks were not intended to sideline tanker drivers but to generate new employment opportunities. “We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more,” he stated. “The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots. Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage.
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Our drivers receive a living wage, life insurance, health insurance covering themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as a lifelong pension. We are employing not only drivers but also mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals to support the CNG fleet.”
Dangote urged other industry players to build their own refineries, stressing that he did not intend to dominate the sector.
Regarding NUPENG’s allegation that the refinery denied its staff the right to unionize, Dangote clarified that the company respects trade unions, but membership is a personal choice for each worker.
The announcement came after recent reports that the refinery was ready to begin free delivery of petrol to stations at reduced pump prices. Dangote confirmed that the first batch of CNG-powered trucks has already begun loading petroleum products at the refinery’s gantry.
Joining Dangote at the briefing were Fatima Aliko Dangote, Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Dangote Industries Limited; Devakumar Edwin, Vice-President, Oil and Gas, DIL; and Sayyu Dantata, Chairman, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc.
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