A newly established trucking subsidiary of the Dangote Group, Direct Trucking Company Limited (DTCL), has formally written to the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), declaring that its drivers are unwilling to join the union. In a letter dated September 30, 2025, and signed by the company’s director, Olosogo Basola, DTCL listed […]
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A newly established trucking subsidiary of the Dangote Group, Direct Trucking Company Limited (DTCL), has formally written to the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), declaring that its drivers are unwilling to join the union.
In a letter dated September 30, 2025, and signed by the company’s director, Olosogo Basola, DTCL listed 27 drivers who reportedly submitted signed letters expressing their refusal to either join or continue as NUPENG members. Copies of the drivers’ letters were attached to the correspondence.
“We hereby forward for your record and information letters from our truck drivers signifying their refusal to join or withdrawal of membership from NUPENG. The said letters, specifically written and signed by each of the drivers, are attached,” the company stated.
The company added that all dues and entitlements for its drivers would henceforth be paid directly into their individual bank accounts.
A Dangote–Dantata Venture
Investigations revealed that Direct Trucking Company Limited was established by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, in partnership with Sayyu Aliu Dantata, Chairman of MRS Energy Limited. The firm is reportedly designed to transport fuel and related products directly to filling stations and entrepreneurs, reducing reliance on third-party operators.
One of the letters sighted by SaharaReporters, dated August 1, 2025, was written by driver Musa Adamu Sabo, who stated:
“I freely and without prejudice do not wish to be a member of NUPENG and humbly request that all my dues and entitlements be deposited into my bank account.”
Rising Labour Tensions
This development comes amid ongoing tensions between Dangote Group and oil workers’ unions. NUPENG and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have repeatedly accused the conglomerate of anti-labour practices.
On September 7, NUPENG alleged that the Direct Truck Drivers Association (DTCDA) was created by Dantata in partnership with Dangote for the operation of 10,000 CNG trucks being imported into the country. The union also described the arrangement as an attempt to undermine workers’ rights.
“Slavery ended centuries ago, but some unscrupulous capitalists are trying to bring it back. Any worker who cannot exercise the right of association is no better than a slave,” NUPENG said in a statement.
Background of the Dispute
In late September, more than 800 workers were abruptly dismissed at the Dangote Refinery after they unionised under PENGASSAN. The union accused management of replacing Nigerian workers with foreign staff and punishing union activities.
The standoff led to a nationwide strike declared on September 28, cutting gas and crude oil supplies to the refinery. Federal Government mediation eventually secured a resolution, with Dangote Group agreeing to redeploy affected workers to other subsidiaries without loss of pay.
PENGASSAN later suspended the strike but warned it could resume industrial action if the agreement was violated.
Efforts to reach Anthony Chiejina, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of Dangote Group, were unsuccessful as his phone line was unreachable.
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