Dangote Refinery Denies Mass Layoffs, Says Workforce Reorganisation Targets Sabotage

The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed claims of mass staff dismissals, insisting that over 3,000 Nigerians remain actively employed at its $20 billion facility. The company explained that only a small fraction of workers were affected by an ongoing workforce reorganisation.

In a statement on Friday, the refinery revealed that the exercise became necessary following repeated acts of sabotage across different units of the plant, which it said posed grave safety risks and threatened the stability of the 650,000 barrels-per-day facility. Management stressed that the move was aimed at safeguarding a strategic national asset and ensuring operational efficiency.

The company further noted that its recruitment drive continues through graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire opportunities, reaffirming its commitment to providing sustainable jobs for Nigerians. It also assured workers that their rights under international labour principles, including freedom of association, remain protected.

However, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) accused the refinery of intimidation and rights violations, alleging that some employees were dismissed shortly after joining the union. The union claimed that staff buses were withdrawn, members were denied entry into the refinery, and a mass termination email was issued.

A senior refinery official, while confirming the authenticity of the disengagement letter, insisted that the development was not linked to unionism. He described the move as a temporary clean-up process to identify sources of sabotage and leakages, adding that affected staff could be reabsorbed once the issues were resolved.