Africa’s richest man and Dangote Group President, Aliko Dangote, has accused the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) of collecting up to ₦50,000 per fuel truck at his refinery, warning that the charges increase pump prices and ultimately burden consumers.
Speaking to journalists, Dangote rejected NUPENG’s claim that his company is barring drivers of its 4,000 newly deployed compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks from joining the union. Instead, he described the levies as “rent-seeking” that undermines efficiency in the sector.
“If a truck is going to load, NUPENG has been collecting about ₦50,000. By the time everybody collects their share, you’re talking about ₦80,000 or more. Who pays for that? The consumer,” Dangote said. He added that no driver should be compelled to join a union, noting that membership must remain voluntary under Nigerian labour law.
NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, did not confirm or deny the allegation, responding only: “₦50k now? No more ₦1 per litre?” In earlier remarks on similar claims, he said, “Ask who alleges to provide proof.”
The dispute follows recent blockades of the Dangote refinery by NUPENG over unionisation, which were suspended after government mediation and a court order prohibiting further disruptions.
Industry experts have raised legal concerns about the alleged levies. Professor Dayo Ayoade, an energy law specialist, questioned whether the union has authority to impose such fees. “The job of a union is to protect its members, not to act as a tax-collecting agency,” he said.
Dangote said his company invested in 4,000 CNG trucks to avoid reliance on third-party transporters and reduce exposure to such pressures. Analysts warn that hidden charges, if true, could worsen energy affordability at a time when fuel prices are already strained by foreign exchange and logistics costs.
Experts have urged the government to investigate the allegations and establish clear rules to protect both workers and consumers.
