Dangote Refinery Denies Mass Layoffs

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reacted to reports of mass dismissals, saying only a small number of employees were affected in what it described as a reorganisation to protect the facility and improve efficiency.

In a statement released on Friday, the refinery explained that the restructuring became necessary after repeated cases of sabotage in some operational units. Management said these acts raised safety concerns and disrupted refinery processes, prompting immediate action to safeguard the plant.

The company stressed that the refinery remains a strategic national asset whose stability is vital not only for Nigeria but for Africa’s energy independence. It added that protecting the facility was also tied to the livelihoods of thousands of Nigerians who depend on it.

According to the statement, over 3,000 Nigerians remain employed at the refinery, and recruitment is ongoing through graduate trainee schemes and experienced hire placements. The company maintained that its workforce restructuring was minimal and targeted.

On labour rights, Dangote Refinery said it recognises globally accepted principles, including the freedom of employees to decide whether to join a union or not. It assured that its commitment to workers’ rights remains firm.

“The Dangote Petroleum Refinery exists to serve Nigerians, to strengthen Africa’s energy independence, and to create decent, sustainable jobs,” the company said, pledging continued partnership with regulators and stakeholders to maintain safety, transparency, and accountability.

Earlier reports had alleged that the refinery dismissed all Nigerian workers less than 24 hours after 90 percent of them joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). The union’s president, Festus Osifo, confirmed the development and vowed that those affected would be recalled.