By Joy Yesufu
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, on Monday criticised the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) for dismissing his refinery’s recent fuel price reduction as a “Greek gift.”
Dangote recently announced lower petrol pump prices in several states alongside a new distribution model that would use compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks to deliver fuel directly to filling stations, a move he said would reduce logistics costs.
NUPENG, however, rejected the move, accusing the refinery of sidelining the union, undermining workers’ rights, and pushing drivers into rival associations.
The union also described the price cut as a deceptive “Greek gift.”
Speaking to journalists at the refinery in Lagos during a ceremony marking the first anniversary of gasoline production, Dangote hit back at the criticism.
“They said we gave Nigerians a Greek gift. Why don’t they give Nigerians a French one? Even if it is a Greek gift, it still means it is a gift that will remain,” he said.
He also defended the refinery’s new CNG truck initiative, insisting that it would boost efficiency and expand employment. “At least 24,000 jobs will be created through the initiative,” he added.
The clash has sparked debate online, with many Nigerians questioning NUPENG’s stance and recalling that the union had rarely supported citizens during difficult economic periods.
