Dangote Refinery Denies Mass Sackings, Says Reorganisation Targeted at Sabotage

By Our Reporter
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed reports that it embarked on mass sackings following the decision of some of its staff to join unions, insisting that the ongoing reorganisation within the facility was driven by the need to address sabotage and safety concerns.

In a statement issued today, the management said only a very small number of employees were affected by the restructuring exercise and that more than 3,000 Nigerians remain actively employed at the refinery. It added that new talent continues to be recruited through graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire placements.

“This exercise is not arbitrary,” the company explained. “The decision became necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage in various units, which have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency.”

Reports had surfaced earlier claiming that the refinery was purging staff who had aligned with unionisation drives. But Dangote refuted the claims.
“Our commitment to workers’ rights is unwavering,” the statement added.

The company stressed that its priority is to ensure the long-term stability of what it described as a 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,” management noted.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery further pledged to continue working with employees, regulators, and other stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety, transparency, and accountability.