Onome Amuge

The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has reassured employees and stakeholders of its long-term workforce commitment, following recent claims by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) that workers were dismissed for joining the union.

While the allegation has dominated headlines in recent days, the refinery’s management said the internal restructuring was not about union membership but about addressing operational vulnerabilities, particularly repeated acts of sabotage that posed risks to safety and stability.

In a statement, the company explained that the reorganisation was necessary to strengthen internal controls and secure the multi-billion-dollar facility. “The foregoing decision was taken in the best interest of the Refinery as a result of intermittent cases of sabotage in the various units of the Refinery with dire consequences on human life and related safety concerns,” management said.

Despite the exercise, Dangote said over 3,000 Nigerians remain employed at the refinery, denoting its commitment to local capacity. The company also highlighted ongoing recruitment through graduate trainee schemes and experienced hire programmes aimed at bringing in fresh talent and retaining industry expertise.

“Only a minimal number of staff were affected, as we continue to recruit Nigerian talent through our various graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire recruitment process,” the company noted.

The $20 billion refinery has been described as the single most important industrial project in Nigeria’s recent history, with the potential to transform the country from a net importer of refined petroleum products into a hub for regional energy exports.