Dangote Refinery Confirms Sacking Workers, Says ‘Only Small Number’ Affected

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has admitted sacking some workers but insists that only a few workers were affected in what the company described as part of a restructuring effort.

In a statement released on Friday, Dangote refinery explained that the decision was necessary to protect its operations from repeated acts of sabotage, which had created safety risks and disrupted efficiency.

“Over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in our Petroleum Refinery, at present,” the statement reads.

“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.”

According to the refinery, the layoffs were not random but taken in the interest of safeguarding the company.

The management said past incidents of sabotage in different sections of the refinery posed serious dangers to both staff and the stability of the company.

“We remain vigilant to our internal systems and vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term stability of this strategic national asset,” the company said.

“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.

“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.”

Dangote Refinery also emphasized its respect for workers’ rights, saying that staff are free to decide whether or not to join a union.

The company said its mission is to strengthen Africa’s energy independence while creating secure and sustainable jobs.

It pledged to continue working closely with staff, regulators, and other stakeholders to maintain the highest levels of safety, accountability, and transparency.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) confirmed that Dangote Refinery sacked 90% of its workers, saying it was already engaging with the refinery to address the matter.