Dangote Group has asked NUPENG to explain why $18bn spent on state-owned refineries failed to revive them, amid escalating disputes over workers’ union rights.
The clash between the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) deepened on Friday as Dangote challenged the union to account for the $18bn reportedly spent on government refineries without results.
In a statement, the refinery questioned why facilities in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna remain idle despite years of turnaround maintenance.
“We must begin to ask what has happened to all four FGN-owned refineries… To date, about $18bn has been wasted without any success. Who are the people who spent all these humongous amounts without any result? Can NUPENG assist Nigerians to unravel this?” the company asked.
The Ministry of Labour convened another meeting between both parties on Friday after NUPENG accused Dangote of undermining union rights. The refinery denied the allegation, insisting its operations comply with a deregulated market.
Both sides were directed to honour the memorandum of understanding signed earlier in the week.