Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has dismissed claims by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) that it sacked employees for joining the union.

In a statement, the refinery described the allegation as baseless and misleading, explaining that the recent workforce reorganization was aimed at improving operations and addressing repeated incidents of sabotage.

The management clarified that despite the exercise, over 3,000 Nigerians remain actively employed at the facility.
“…Over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in our Petroleum Refinery, at present. Only a minimal number of staff were affected, as we continue to recruit Nigerian talent through our various graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire recruitment process,” the company stated.

It added that the restructuring became necessary after cases of sabotage in different units of the refinery posed safety risks and disrupted operations.
“The foregoing decision was taken in the best interest of the Refinery as a result of intermittent cases of sabotage in the various units of the Refinery with dire consequences on human life and related safety concerns. We remain vigilant to our internal systems and vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term stability of this strategic national asset,” the statement read.

The company reassured stakeholders of its commitment to global labour standards, stressing that workers are free to decide on union membership without interference.

It further emphasized that the exercise was part of a broader audit process designed to secure the refinery’s long-term stability and vowed to continue working with regulators, employees, and partners to maintain high standards of safety, transparency, and accountability.