Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has accused the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) of imposing illegal levies on fuel distribution trucks at his refinery.
Dangote alleged that the union collects as much as ₦50,000 per truck that loads petroleum products from the refinery, describing the act as a major factor contributing to higher pump prices and increased hardship for Nigerians.
According to him, such unofficial charges not only undermine the Federal Government’s efforts to stabilize fuel prices but also place unnecessary burdens on consumers already grappling with economic difficulties.
“These arbitrary collections are unacceptable. If every truck loading fuel from the refinery is forced to pay ₦50,000, the cost will ultimately be transferred to motorists and households. This is nothing short of extortion, and it must stop,” Dangote warned.
The billionaire industrialist called on the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to urgently intervene and sanitize the downstream sector, stressing that unchecked union activities could frustrate his refinery’s mission to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
Industry experts have long raised concerns about alleged sharp practices and unofficial charges within the distribution chain. Dangote’s revelation is expected to spark fresh debates over accountability and transparency in the nation’s oil and gas sector.
As of press time, NUPENG has yet to respond to the allegations.
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