Aliko Dangote the chairman of Dangote Group emphatically said his drivers earn more than university graduates in Nigeria.
That, his drivers earn 3-4x the minimum wage, even more than what Union Drivers earn. And if any drivers goes accident free for 5yrs, they are entitled to a housing loan.
He said this on Monday while dismissing NUPENG’s claims that he underpays his staff and his plans to activate 4,000 CNG distribution trucks would lead to loss of jobs.
Aliko Dangote emphatically stated that, a truck needs atleast 6 men. So his 4,000 trucks would create up to 26,000 jobs. And according to the laws, it’s not mandatory for anyone to join a union at work.
That he’s doing this, because the market is in dire need of these trucks, debunking NUPENG’s claims that there are over 30,000 trucks servicing the country. Aliko said, they’re non-existent.
And when they launch their trucks, anyone from the union who wants, is free to apply to work with them. Instead of accusing them of taking jobs, because they’re infact creating better jobs.
Regarding the earnings of truck drivers, he is actually correct. Truckers usually get paid per trip. And it starts averagely at ₦100k, depending on the distance and goods in transit.
Some pay up to ₦300k per trip. This also somehow contributes to the recklessness of their drivers, as they try to beat time for more trips. However, the advantages are more.
In reaction, Nigerians are saying, his statement is an indictment of the nations system. And his drivers do not earn more than Nigerian graduates, instead they kll more than Nigerian graduates.
In 2012 Dangote revealed that PhD and MSc holders were among the 13,000 truck driver applicants they received.
