The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed all its Nigerian employees in a sweeping decision that has ignited fresh controversy in the oil and gas sector.
The action came less than a day after the majority of the workforce reportedly aligned with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
An internal circular dated September 25, 2025, signed by the refinery’s Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, Femi Adekunle, described the move as part of a “total reorganisation” of the facility.
The notice claimed that the restructuring was prompted by alleged acts of sabotage detected in different sections of the plant.
According to the memo, staff affected by the purge were ordered to return all company property to their line managers and complete clearance procedures.
The finance department was also directed to calculate and settle any pending entitlements without delay.
“While your time with us has come to an end, the company remains grateful for your contributions and wishes you well in your future endeavours,” the statement read.
The decision is coming against the backdrop of a prolonged standoff between the refinery and PENGASSAN over workers’ rights to unionise.
Observers believe the sudden sack is directly linked to the tension between the two parties.
Labour unions have yet to issue an official reaction, but industry watchers say the development could spark wider unrest within Nigeria’s oil and gas workforce.
One labour activist told reporters, “This looks like a calculated move to silence workers who want to protect their rights through union membership.”
The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest of its kind, has been under pressure in recent months to resolve disputes with employees and stabilise operations.
The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed all its Nigerian employees in a sweeping decision that has ignited fresh controversy in the oil and gas sector.
The action came less than a day after the majority of the workforce reportedly aligned with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
An internal circular dated September 25, 2025, signed by the refinery’s Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, Femi Adekunle, described the move as part of a “total reorganisation” of the facility.
The notice claimed that the restructuring was prompted by alleged acts of sabotage detected in different sections of the plant.
According to the memo, staff affected by the purge were ordered to return all company property to their line managers and complete clearance procedures.
The finance department was also directed to calculate and settle any pending entitlements without delay.
“While your time with us has come to an end, the company remains grateful for your contributions and wishes you well in your future endeavours,” the statement read.
The decision is coming against the backdrop of a prolonged standoff between the refinery and PENGASSAN over workers’ rights to unionise.
Observers believe the sudden sack is directly linked to the tension between the two parties.
Labour unions have yet to issue an official reaction, but industry watchers say the development could spark wider unrest within Nigeria’s oil and gas workforce.
One labour activist told reporters, “This looks like a calculated move to silence workers who want to protect their rights through union membership.”
The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest of its kind, has been under pressure in recent months to resolve disputes with employees and stabilise operations.
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