Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote has responded to criticism from the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over his company’s recent moves in the fuel sector. NUPENG had warned Nigerians against accepting the recent fuel price reduction, alleging that Dangote’s refinery was undermining workers’ rights and pushing drivers into a rival association.

Addressing journalists at the refinery on Monday, marking the first anniversary of gasoline production, Dangote dismissed NUPENG’s concerns, saying, “Even if it is a Greek gift, it is still a gift.” He emphasized the benefits of the price reduction and a new scheme to deploy compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks directly to filling stations, which is expected to reduce logistics costs.

“They said we gave Nigerians a Greek gift, why don’t you give the French one. Even if it’s a Greek gift, it means that it is a gift will still be there all the time,” he said.

Acknowledging the numerous challenges the refinery has faced since its inception, Dangote emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria and Africa.

“The journey has been challenging because we sought to transform the downstream sector in Nigeria. Some believed we were taking food from their tables, which simply isn’t true. What we have done is to make our country and continent proud. Previously, only two African countries were not importing petrol, but regrettably, they have since resumed imports. This is detrimental to Africa,” he added.

Background

Dangote had announced lower petrol pump prices in several states, a move seen as a positive development for consumers. However, NUPENG’s criticism has cast a shadow over the initiative, with the union accusing Dangote’s refinery of sidelining workers’ rights [1].