Dangote Refinery Denies Mass Sack Allegation, Says Exercise is Re-organisation for Safety and Efficiency
The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has dismissed claims by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) that it laid off staff for joining the union, describing the allegation as “unfounded and misleading.”
In a statement, the company explained that the ongoing re-organisation within its workforce was aimed at strengthening operations and addressing cases of sabotage that posed risks to both staff and facility safety.
According to the refinery, more than 3,000 Nigerians remain actively employed despite the internal restructuring exercise.
“Over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in our petroleum refinery. Only a minimal number of staff were affected, as we continue to recruit Nigerian talent through our graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire recruitment process,” the statement read.
The company said the restructuring became necessary following repeated acts of sabotage in different units of the refinery, warning that such incidents had grave consequences for human lives and operational stability.
“The decision was taken in the best interest of the refinery. It is imperative to protect this strategic national asset for the benefit of Nigerians, our partners across Africa, and the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on it,” the statement added.
Dangote Refinery further reaffirmed its adherence to internationally recognised labour principles, including the right of employees to freely decide on union membership without interference.
The management stressed that the restructuring was an audit process designed to safeguard the long-term stability of the multi-billion-dollar refinery project, assuring stakeholders of its continued commitment to safety, transparency, and accountability.
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