Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, on Monday revealed that his resolve to take thousands of Nigerians off the unemployment market remains intact, noting that his companies will continue to employ Nigerians and contribute to further reducing the country’s unemployment rate.
Speaking to the media in his Refinery complex on Monday, Dangote said his company respects trade unions, but that membership is a personal choice for each driver.
“We are not trying to take anybody out of the market. These trucks that we launched didn’t stop anybody from their work…You are saying there will be a loss of jobs, will our own tankers be driven by robots?… We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more… Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage. Our drivers receive a living wage, life insurance, health insurance covering themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as a lifelong pension. We are not only employing drivers but also mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals to support the CNG fleet.”
He further revealed that the company’s CNG truck drivers can apply for and get a housing loan after five years of working and not being involved in any accident, and that it is optional for them to join the Union. Acknowledging the numerous challenges the refinery has faced since its inception, Dangote emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria .
“The journey has been challenging because we sought to transform the downstream sector in Nigeria. Some believed we were taking food from their tables, which simply isn’t true. What we have done is to make our country and continent proud. Previously, only two African countries were not importing petrol, but regrettably, they have since resumed imports. This is detrimental to Africa,” he added.
