The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has confirmed sacking some workers, saying that “only a small number were affected” in what it described as a re-organisation exercise.

Dangote refinery spoke in a statement on Friday, clarifying reports concerning the “ongoing re-organisation within its facility”.

The statement said the action became necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that “have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency”.

”We remain vigilant to our internal systems and vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term stability of this strategic national asset. It is imperative to protect the refinery for the benefit of Nigerians, our partners across Africa, and the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on it.

”Over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in our Petroleum Refinery, at present. Only a very small number of staff were affected, as we continue to recruit Nigerian talent through our various graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire recruitment process.

We recognise and uphold internationally accepted labour principles, including the right of every worker to freely decide whether or not to join a union. Our commitment to workers’ rights is unwavering.

Recalls that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has alleged that Nigerian workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals were dismissed shortly after joining the union, accusing management of intimidation and violation of constitutional rights.
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‎In a statement signed by branch chairman Abdulfatai Muhammed and branch secretary Eseoghene Choice on Friday, PENGASSAN said these events unfolded within 24 hours of the staff unionising.

‎‎The union noted that following the formation of the Caretaker Committee of the Branch Executive Council and the submission of the first batch of unionised members’ list to management on September 25, 2025, management circulated a list to verify voluntary union membership.
‎‎“A meeting was held with members, during which they were asked to indicate their membership in PENGASSAN. Overwhelmingly, staff at the refinery affirmed YES,” the statement said.

‎PENGASSAN further alleged that intimidation began on the evening of the same day when staff buses were withdrawn, forcing workers to pay up to ₦4,000 for transportation to attend work.