The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has confirmed a sweeping reorganisation of its operations and workforce, but denied reports of a mass sack of workers.
In a letter dated September 24, 2025, signed by Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management Femi Adekunle, the refinery said the move was triggered by “many recent cases of reported sabotage in different units of the Petroleum Refinery leading to major safety concerns.”
The 650,000 barrels per day facility, which began production in 2024, directed affected staff to hand over company property to their line managers and await clearance for entitlements to be computed by the Finance Department.
A senior official of the refinery, however, dismissed media reports of an en masse dismissal, insisting the exercise was a reorganisation to curb sabotage and plug leakages within the plant.
“Yes, the letter is correct. But the interpretation is wrong. It affects some people because of certain things discovered in the refinery. It has nothing to do with unionism or anything like that,” the official told The PUNCH.
He clarified that those found innocent of sabotage would be reabsorbed:
“It doesn’t mean they have been sacked. What was done was more like a clean-up in the system. As soon as the issues are addressed, they will be reabsorbed. That is why it is not a sack and that word wasn’t used.”
According to the source, the action was carried out without prior notice to prevent those allegedly involved from covering their tracks.
Despite the shake-up, refinery operations are said to be ongoing with both Nigerians and expatriates still active at the facility.
The disengagement letter, addressed to staff of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE and Dangote Industries Free Zone Development Company, read in part:
“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.”
The refinery — touted as Africa’s largest and Nigeria’s hope for ending decades of reliance on imported petroleum products — has recently battled operational turbulence and labour disputes.
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) earlier accused the company of “high-handedness” and warned against unfair labour practices, while marketers under the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) also raised concerns over pricing and distribution policies.
Dangote spokesperson Anthony Chiejina did not respond to requests for comment at press time.
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