Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has announced a major reorganisation of its workforce and operations, citing repeated acts of sabotage that posed safety risks to its 650,000-barrel-per-day facility.
In an internal memo dated September 24, 2025, and signed by the refinery’s Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, Femi Adekunle, the company said it was “compelled to carry out a total reorganisation” after several cases of sabotage were reported across different units of the plant. Affected workers were instructed to hand over company property, undergo clearance, and await payment of entitlements.
The development sparked speculation of mass layoffs, but a senior company official dismissed such claims, stressing that the move was not a blanket dismissal but a targeted exercise. “The letter is genuine, but its interpretation is wrong. This is not a sack. It is a clean-up to check acts of sabotage and protect company assets. Those not involved have nothing to fear,” the official said. He added that the decision was implemented without notice to prevent suspects from covering their tracks.
Conflicting reports have, however, suggested that all Nigerian staff were disengaged shortly after they joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). Union president, Festus Osifo, confirmed sighting the memo and indicated that discussions were ongoing to ensure affected workers were reinstated.
The refinery has faced mounting scrutiny from labour and industry groups in recent months. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) previously accused the company of unfair labour practices, while petroleum marketers under the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) raised concerns over pricing and distribution policies.
Despite the controversy, Dangote officials insist refinery operations remain unaffected, with both local and expatriate staff still active at the facility.
