In a contentious move, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has terminated the employment of all its Nigerian workers less than 24 hours after the majority joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
A memo dated September 25, 2025, and signed by Femi Adekunle, Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, cited “a total reorganization” of the plant following reports of sabotage in various units.
The notice directed affected staff to surrender all company property and obtain exit clearance.
PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo confirmed the development, expressing concern over the timing of the dismissals.
He assured that the union would pursue the immediate reinstatement of the affected workers.
This action follows a series of disputes between Dangote Refinery and labor unions over workers’ rights to unionize.
Earlier this month, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) had declared a strike over similar issues, which was suspended after federal intervention.
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Subsequently, Dangote Refinery secured a court order restraining the union from striking, though the interim order has since expired.
The refinery, operational since January 2024, is Africa’s largest, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.
It was built at a cost of $20 billion by the Dangote Group on the outskirts of Lagos.
Labor experts warn that the dismissal could escalate tensions in Nigeria’s oil sector and may lead to further industrial actions if not addressed promptly.