Dangote refinery sacks all Nigerian workers over union membership

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a comprehensive reorganisation of its operations, with immediate effect, following multiple reported cases of sabotage across various units of the refinery. This is coming barely 24 hours after the majority joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

In a statement signed by Femi Adekule, Chief General Manager, Human Asset Management, and made available to Nigerian NewsDirect on Friday, directed the termination of staff contracts, citing “total re-organisation” and alleged sabotage in sections of the refinery.

The statement reads: “In view of the many recent cases of reported sabotage in different units of the Petroleum Refinery leading to major safety concerns, the Management is constrained to carry out total re-organisation of the plant. “As a consequence of this development, we wish to inform you that your services are no longer required, with effect from the eve of Thursday, 25th September 2025.”

“Please surrender all the Company’s properties in your possession to your line manager and obtain an exit clearance accordingly, but the date for doing so will be communicated to you later.”

“The Finance Department, by a copy of this letter, is advised to compute all your benefits and entitlements in line with your terms of employment and conditions of service and pay the amount due to you (less all indebtedness), subject to the condition that you have obtained the exit clearance certificate as mentioned above.

”The management statement expressed gratitude to the affected staff, stating, “We seize this opportunity to thank you for your services while you were in our employment.”

Employees affected by the move are required to complete all formalities and surrender company property before their exit is formalised, while the Finance Department will handle final entitlements in accordance with individual contracts and company policies.