Dangote further claimed that his companies’ drivers earn four times the Nigerian national minimum wage.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigerian businessman and president of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has made a case for workers who are unwilling to join labour unions, arguing that his company’s drivers earn more than some graduates and take home four times the Nigerian national minimum wage.
The business mogul made the claims on Tuesday while featuring as a guest on a programme on Arise Television.
According to him, decision to joining the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) should be voluntary and left to the worker.
He also countered argument that the new trucks his company launched will lead to job loss, wondering who will drive the vehicles if the drivers are sacked.
Speaking during the interview, Dangote said, “The trucks we launched didn’t stop anyone from their work. We hear there will be a loss of jobs. Will our tankers be driven by robots?
“Every truck is about six people. So these trucks they are fighting over will create 24,000 jobs.
“What we are saying is that our salary is almost three or four times their own. After five years free accident, a driver can apply and get a house loan.
“Our drivers earn more than graduates. If you look at what they earn in a month, it’s almost four times the national minimum wage.”
