By Ehis Agbon
LAGOS – Socialist Labour has thrown its weight behind the strike action embarked upon by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) against the Dangote Group of Companies, calling on Nigerians to support what it described as a fight against “wage slavery” and exploitation of workers.
In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by Dr. James Uanhoro and Dr. Izielen Agbon, the group accused the Dangote conglomerate of engaging in unfair labour practices, including employing drivers and factory workers on casual contracts, paying below industry standards, and barring unionisation at its newly established refinery.
The group also cited the recent case of Ruth Otabor, who was reportedly injured by a Dangote non-unionized cement truck driver in Auchi, Edo State, and later died in Lagos. According to Socialist Labour, the tragedy underscores the dangers of Dangote’s policy of employing non-unionized drivers who work long hours under unsafe conditions.
“The idea of non-unionized drivers speeding recklessly across Nigerian roads in 10,000 CNG tankers is unacceptable. Dangote believes he is above the law, caring only for his oligopolistic profits while endangering lives and exploiting workers,” the statement read.
The labour group alleged that Dangote’s business empire, valued at $29.3 billion, has been built on state-backed privileges, including import duty waivers, access to cheap foreign exchange, and government-supported land acquisitions, while ordinary Nigerians bear the brunt of inflation and high fuel prices.
According to the statement, Dangote and his cousin, Sayyu Aliu Dantata, have insisted that no tanker driver at the refinery can belong to NUPENG, instead compelling workers to join a company-controlled association. Socialist Labour described the move as illegal, immoral, and a threat to public safety.
“A union is like a broom – a single stick can break easily, but together they are unbreakable. Workers need NUPENG to resist exploitation and prevent tragedies on our highways,” the group stated.
It further urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to fully support NUPENG in its confrontation with the Dangote Group, warning that any resulting fuel scarcity should be blamed squarely on the company’s “anti-worker stance.”
“For the masses, when fuel scarcity hits, know that the Dangote Group is directly at fault. NUPENG is taking a stand for the Nigerian worker and the public. Their struggle today will save lives tomorrow,” the statement added.
The strike by NUPENG, if sustained, is expected to disrupt the distribution of petroleum products nationwide, with possible ripple effects on transport, power, and commodity prices.
