The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has announced a sweeping reorganisation of its workforce. The company said it took the step after repeated sabotage incidents raised serious safety concerns at its multi-billion-dollar facility.
In a letter dated September 25, 2025, and signed by Femi Adekunle, Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, the refinery explained that it was “constrained to carry out a total re-organisation of the plant” following “many recent cases of reported sabotage in different units of the Petroleum Refinery leading to major safety concerns.”
The notice directed employees to return company property to their supervisors and complete exit clearance. Afterwards, the Finance Department will calculate and pay entitlements in line with employment terms.
Management Denies Mass Sack
However, a senior refinery official dismissed claims of a mass layoff. He confirmed the authenticity of the letter but stressed that the move focused on curbing sabotage, not dissolving the entire workforce.
“Yes, the letter is genuine, but the interpretation is wrong. This action concerns specific individuals linked to sabotage, not everyone. Staff not affected remain at their duty posts,” the official said.
In addition, he explained that management acted suddenly to prevent workers involved from concealing evidence of misconduct. He emphasised that operations at the 650,000 barrels-per-day facility remain intact, with both Nigerian and expatriate staff still active.
“It is more of a clean-up process to protect the company’s assets. Once the issues are resolved, some workers could return. This is not a mass sack,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dangote spokesperson Anthony Chiejina did not respond to calls and messages seeking comment. A copy of the disengagement letter confirmed the directive and expressed appreciation to workers for their contributions.
Ongoing Labour and Market Tensions
The reorganisation comes at a time of heightened labour unrest. Recently, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) accused the refinery of blocking unionisation and adopting unfair labour practices.
Moreover, the company has faced resistance from the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN). Marketers argue that Dangote’s rigid pricing and distribution policies could distort the downstream sector.
Therefore, less than two years after its celebrated commissioning in 2024, the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery is battling sabotage threats, union disputes, and regulatory pushback—all while trying to secure its place as Nigeria’s fuel supply game-changer.
