The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has explained that its recent reorganisation was prompted by persistent sabotage within its facility, which had raised safety concerns and disrupted operations.
In a statement issued on Friday, September 26, the company said, “This exercise is not arbitrary. It has become necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency.”
It noted that the decision was taken to protect both workers and operations, stressing that “intermittent cases of sabotage in the various units of the Refinery” had posed dire risks to human life and facility safety.
The management reaffirmed its commitment to protecting what it described as a strategic national asset.
“We remain vigilant to our internal systems and vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term stability of this strategic national asset.
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“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 read.
Addressing concerns about job losses, the company disclosed that over 3,000 Nigerians are still actively employed.
It explained, “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.”
The refinery also reiterated its commitment to workers’ rights, saying, “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.”
The company added that its long-term vision remains unchanged: “The Dangote Petroleum Refinery exists to serve Nigerians, to strengthen Africa’s energy independence, and to create decent, sustainable jobs.
“We will continue to work in partnership with our employees, regulators, and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety, transparency, and accountability.”