The management-team-for-fresh-career-path/” title=”2Baba charts new course, unveils new … team for ‘fresh career path’”>management team at Dangote Petroleum Refinery has addressed recent workforce changes, explaining that the reorganisation was essential due to repeated sabotage incidents within the facility.
On Friday, the refinery clarified that the restructuring was implemented to protect ongoing operations and ensure employee safety, emphasizing that the move was a necessary response to pressing security and operational challenges rather than an arbitrary decision.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery wishes to address the recent restructuring activities at the plant. This process is a strategic response to persistent sabotage attempts that have compromised safety and operational effectiveness,” the company stated.
Reports indicate that sabotage has intermittently affected various sections of the refinery, creating hazards for personnel and interrupting vital processes.
The management described these security breaches as severe, warning that without prompt and firm measures, the refinery’s stability could be jeopardized over the long term.
Despite these changes, the company reassured the public that the majority of its workforce remains employed. It confirmed that more than 3,000 Nigerian employees continue to contribute to refinery operations, with only a minimal number impacted by the recent adjustments.
“Currently, over 3,000 Nigerians are actively engaged at our refinery. The restructuring affected only a small fraction of staff, as we persist in recruiting Nigerian professionals through our graduate trainee schemes and experienced hire programs,” the statement added.
This announcement follows earlier rumors suggesting that the refinery, one of Africa’s largest industrial ventures, was conducting widespread layoffs. Labour organizations and industry observers expressed concerns that such dismissals could undermine both employee livelihoods and confidence in the refinery’s future.
Experts highlight that the Dangote Refinery, which commenced limited operations earlier this year, plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s strategy to achieve energy self-sufficiency.
With a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the facility is poised to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuels and transform the continent’s energy landscape.
The company reaffirmed its dedication to respecting workers’ rights and adhering to global labour standards, including the protection of employees’ freedom to join trade unions.
“We fully support internationally recognized labour rights, including every worker’s freedom to choose union membership. Our commitment to upholding these principles remains steadfast,” the refinery emphasized.
Union Demands Reinstatement of Dismissed Workers at Dangote Refinery
In a related development, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has issued a demand for the Dangote Refinery management to reinstate Nigerian employees who were reportedly dismissed and replaced by foreign nationals.
This position was outlined in a statement signed by Mr. Lumumba Okugbawa, General Secretary of PENGASSAN, and released to the press on Friday in Abuja.
The union condemned the refinery’s actions as contrary to labour laws and anti-worker, alleging that over 2,000 Indian nationals-many purportedly without proper immigration status-have been hired to fill positions vacated by Nigerian staff.
“It is with great concern that we report the unfair dismissal of more than 800 Nigerian workers, whose commitment has been vital to the refinery’s success. Rather than retaining this skilled workforce, management has opted to replace them with foreign employees, violating the Labour Act and Trade Union Act,” the union declared.
