The Dangote Group has dismissed reports of mass staff layoffs at its multi-billion-dollar Petroleum Refinery, insisting that its ongoing reorganisation exercise affects only a small number of employees and is aimed at safeguarding operations from repeated acts of sabotage.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Friday, the company explained that the restructuring was necessary to address safety concerns and improve operational efficiency following incidents of internal sabotage that posed risks to human life and facility operations.
“The Dangote Petroleum Refinery wishes to clarify recent reports concerning the ongoing reorganisation within its facility. This exercise is not arbitrary. It has become necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency,” the statement said in part.
Management confirmed that over 3,000 Nigerians remain employed at the refinery, while only a very small number were affected by the changes. It added that the Group continues to recruit Nigerian talent through its graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire recruitment processes.
The statement further reaffirmed the company’s commitment to internationally accepted labour principles, noting that every employee retains the right to freely decide on union membership.
“The refinery exists to serve Nigerians, strengthen Africa’s energy independence, and create sustainable jobs. We remain vigilant to potential vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term stability of this strategic national asset,” it said.
The clarification comes amid ongoing tensions with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), which had earlier accused the refinery of refusing to recognise union rights for tanker drivers and other staff. Although a resolution was recently signed in the presence of three federal ministers and top security officials, NUPENG alleged fresh violations days later, including attempts to strip union insignia from trucks and incidents of intimidation.
The refinery, however, has maintained that it fully respects workers’ right to decide whether or not to join a union.
