Lay-off: over 3000 workers still in Dangote Refinery – management 

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery Friday clarified the reported sack of Nigerians working in the refinery as the row between the refinery and the oil workers took a different turn on Friday. Earlier, a memo had leaked to the effect that the refinery terminated the employment of many of its Nigerian workers for allegedly joining the […]

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery Friday clarified the reported sack of Nigerians working in the refinery as the row between the refinery and the oil workers took a different turn on Friday.

Earlier, a memo had leaked to the effect that the refinery terminated the employment of many of its Nigerian workers for allegedly joining the workers’ unions.

The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) had threatened to shut down the refinery over what it calls anti-Labour policy of the Dangote Management.

Femi Adekunle, Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, announced the “total re-organisation” at the refinery as a result of recent cases of reported sabotage in different units, leading to major safety concerns.

• Heavy shake-up at Dangote Refinery amid rift with oil unions
• Olubadan: Ibadan markets closed as Mapo Hall gets set for Ladoja’s coronation

He said the refinery was constrained to carry out a total re-organisation of the plant.

“As a consequence of this development, we wish to inform you that your services are no longer required, with effect from the eve of Thursday, the 25th September, 2025.”

“Please surrender all the Company’s properties in your possession to your line manager and obtain an exit clearance accordingly but, the date for doing so, will be communicated to you later.

“The Finance Department, by a copy of this letter, is advised to compute all your benefits and entitlements in line with your terms of employment and conditions of service and pay the amount due to you (less all indebtedness), subject to the condition that you have obtained the exit clearance certificate as mentioned above,” the memo read.

But on Friday, the Dangote management in a statement clarified the recent reports concerning the ongoing reorganisation within its facility.

The management in the statement explained that the decision was necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage.

According to the management, there are over 3000 Nigerian workers still working in the refinery.

The statement read: “This exercise is not arbitrary. It has become necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency.

“The foregoing decision was taken in the best interest of the Refinery as result of intermittent cases of sabotage in the various units of the Refinery with dire consequences on human life and related safety concerns.

“We remain vigilant to our internal systems and vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term stability of this strategic national asset. It is imperative to protect the refinery for the benefit of Nigerians, our partners across Africa, and the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on it.

“Over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in our Petroleum Refinery, at present. Only a very small number of staff were affected, as we continue to recruit Nigerian talent through our various graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire recruitment process.

“We recognise and uphold internationally accepted labour principles, including the right of every worker to freely decide whether or not to join a union. Our commitment to workers’ rights is unwavering.

“The Dangote Petroleum Refinery exists to serve Nigerians, to strengthen Africa’s energy independence, and to create decent, sustainable jobs. We will continue to work in partnership with our employees, regulators, and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety, transparency, and accountability.”