The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has firmly denied allegations that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will lead to job losses. During a press conference held at the refinery on Monday, the billionaire emphasized that his company is focused on creating new employment opportunities.
This statement comes in response to a dispute with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). Dangote highlighted that the introduction of 4,000 trucks powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) is projected to generate at least 24,000 jobs nationwide.
“We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more. The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots,” he stated. He further elaborated that, “Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage. 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.”
In addition to drivers, Dangote mentioned that the company is also hiring mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals to support the CNG fleet.
The Dangote Refinery announced the acquisition of the trucks on June 15, which is expected to enhance the company’s fuel distribution capacity across the country. On June 29, the refinery revealed that its nationwide petroleum products distribution scheme would save Nigerians over ₦1.7 trillion annually.
However, three months later, NUPENG declared that workers would initiate a nationwide strike starting September 8, protesting alleged anti-union practices by Dangote Refinery. On September 9, NUPENG suspended its two-day strike action.
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