The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has recorded no fewer than 22 incidents of sabotage since its inception, according to Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of the Dangote Group.
He revealed this during a facility tour by His Royal Majesty Bubaraye Dakolo, King of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council.
Reorganisation sparked by internal sabotage concerns
Edwin clarified that the refinery’s recent reorganisation, which led to the dismissal of a number of workers, was not connected to any dispute with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
According to him, the restructuring became necessary after repeated attempts by unknown persons to undermine the operations of Africa’s largest oil refinery.
“We have been under repeated attacks. Initially, they said the refinery would never start operations. Then, when it did, rumours spread about PENGASSAN disputes. That was totally false,” Edwin said.
“We started facing incidences of sabotage 22 in total. Fires were attempted. Valves were tampered with. But thankfully, our ultra-modern systems prevented major damage.”
Technology prevented shutdowns
The Dangote executive explained that the refinery’s advanced safety systems automatically countered attempts to trigger fires or disrupt instruments.
“When someone starts a fire, the protection system controls it immediately. When a valve is opened illegally, other instruments override it,” he said, adding that every incident is documented in the refinery’s master control room.
He said the management undertook a “massive reorganisation” to secure the multi-billion-dollar investment and ensure the safety of personnel and operations.
Clarification on PENGASSAN dispute
In September, the refinery confirmed the dismissal of a “small number of workers.” However, PENGASSAN alleged that more than 800 employees were sacked over a labour disagreement.
The controversy led to a nationwide strike directive from the union, which was later suspended on 1 October following federal intervention. The Dangote Group later agreed to redeploy some affected workers to its other subsidiaries.
Protecting Nigeria’s largest private investment
Edwin insisted the reshuffle was purely a security measure and not a labour dispute.
“We had to act decisively. Someone could cause catastrophic damage if such sabotage continued. This reorganisation was essential to protect the facility and our national investment,” he stated.
The Dangote Refinery, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos, is a 650,000-barrel-per-day facility the largest in Africa and one of the most sophisticated globally.
