The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has dismissed reports of mass staff sack allegedly linked to union membership, describing such claims as both unfounded and misleading.
Reacting to allegations made by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the company clarified that its ongoing workforce reorganisation was not punitive but aimed at strengthening operations and addressing repeated acts of sabotage within the refinery.
According to a statement from the management, over 3,000 Nigerians are currently employed at the refinery, with only a minimal number of staff affected by the restructuring exercise.
“…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 said.
The refinery explained that the decision followed intermittent cases of sabotage in various units, which 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. 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,” the statement noted.
Reassuring employees and stakeholders, Dangote Refinery reaffirmed its commitment to international labour principles, stressing that workers are free to decide on union membership without interference.
It emphasised that the restructuring is a protective audit process to ensure the long-term safety and stability of what it described as a strategic national asset.
The management further pledged continued collaboration with regulators, employees, and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety, transparency, and accountability in its operations.
