Nigeria TV Info 

Union Membership Voluntary, Not Compulsory – Dangote Refinery

The management of Dangote Refinery has clarified that membership of any trade union within its establishment is entirely voluntary and not compulsory.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the company emphasized that its workers reserve the right to freely choose whether or not to join a union, in line with Nigerian labour laws and global best practices.

“Dangote Refinery respects the constitutional rights of all employees to freedom of association. However, we wish to state clearly that no staff member is under compulsion to join any union. Participation is strictly voluntary,” the statement read.

The clarification comes amid growing discussions around union activities at the multi-billion-dollar refinery, which is billed as the largest single-train refinery in the world. Reports had earlier suggested pressure from some labour groups for automatic unionization of refinery workers.

The company explained that it remains committed to fostering a harmonious working environment built on dialogue, mutual respect, and open communication between management and employees.

“Our priority is the welfare, safety, and professional development of our workforce. We encourage staff to exercise their rights responsibly while maintaining industrial peace,” the management added.

Industry analysts note that unionization at large facilities like Dangote Refinery often attracts national attention due to the strategic importance of the plant to Nigeria’s economy. The refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

The company assured that it will continue to engage constructively with relevant stakeholders, including labour unions and regulatory agencies, while protecting the rights and choices of its employees.