In a startling labor development, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has terminated the employment of all its Nigerian staff less than 24 hours after 90% of them joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
A memo dated September 25, 2025, signed by Femi Adekunle, Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, described the move as part of a “total re-organisation” of the plant following alleged incidents of sabotage in multiple refinery units.
The notice directed affected staff to return all company property and complete exit clearance, while the finance department was tasked with computing benefits and entitlements according to their terms of employment.
While Dangote management thanked the workers for their service, the abrupt action comes amid ongoing tensions between the refinery and PENGASSAN over unionization rights, highlighting the fragile state of labor relations in Nigeria’s oil sector.
Labor analysts warn that this move could spark further unrest among workers and unions nationwide, with implications for refinery operations and industry stability.
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