- Drivers earn four times minimum wage.
- Salaries surpass many graduates.
- Home loans offered after safe service.
Aliko Dangote says drivers in his company are paid more than many university graduates.
The billionaire businessman revealed this during an interview with Arise TV, stressing that his drivers receive salaries four times higher than the national minimum wage.
He noted that apart from their pay, drivers who maintain a clean record for five years without accidents become eligible to access a home loan through the company.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Dangote explained that truck drivers in his company are not just seen as ordinary workers but as essential players in the daily operations of the conglomerate. He highlighted that their welfare is a priority, which is why competitive pay and long-term benefits are put in place.
The industrialist also dismissed fears that the introduction of more trucks and modern technology could lead to job losses.
He pointed out that each truck engages at least six people in different roles, and that the ongoing expansion in his operations has the capacity to generate about 24,000 jobs for Nigerians.
This, according to him, shows the company’s commitment to job creation at a time when unemployment remains a major concern in the country.
He further touched on union membership, saying that joining the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) should remain voluntary and not mandatory. Dangote maintained that while he respects unions, his company ensures workers’ rights and benefits without external pressure.
By stressing that drivers earn more than many graduates, Dangote drew attention to the importance of practical and technical skills in today’s economy. His comments suggest that vocational roles, when properly valued, can provide a better livelihood than white-collar jobs that often come with lower pay.
The remarks have sparked discussions about the wage structure in Nigeria, the state of graduate employment, and the need to rethink how different categories of workers are compensated. For Dangote, rewarding drivers generously is not just about pay but also about motivating staff to perform safely, responsibly, and with loyalty to the company.
