Dangote Refinery has confirmed the termination of several Nigerian workers who were members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN). The company disclosed this in a statement posted on its X account after reports that the 650,000‑barrel‑per‑day refinery had dismissed Nigerian employees because of their union membership.
According to Dangote, the dismissals were driven by repeated acts of sabotage that raised safety concerns and impaired operational efficiency. The refinery said the action was necessary to protect the facility from intermittent sabotage, which has had serious consequences for human life and overall safety. It emphasized its vigilance over internal systems and vulnerabilities to ensure the long‑term stability of this strategic national asset.
The company stressed that safeguarding the refinery is essential for Nigerians, partners across Africa, and the thousands whose livelihoods depend on it. Currently, more than 3,000 Nigerians are employed at the refinery, and Dangote continues to recruit local talent through graduate trainee programs and experienced‑hire recruitment.
Dangote affirmed its commitment to internationally accepted labor principles, including the right of every worker to freely choose union membership. It reiterated its dedication to workers’ rights and pledged to work with employees, regulators, and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety, transparency, and accountability.
In response, PENGASSAN president Festus Osifo vowed that the dismissed workers would be recalled. The union has called an emergency National Executive Council meeting, accusing Dangote of replacing the sacked Nigerian workers with Indian and other expatriate staff. The development has significant implications for Nigeria’s labor market and energy sector, and its outcome remains to be seen in the coming days.
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