The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed reports of mass retrenchment at the facility, insisting that over 3,000 Nigerians are still actively employed.
In a statement signed by its management on September 26, 2025, the refinery said the ongoing reorganisation within the plant was not arbitrary but became necessary “to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency.”
“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,” the statement read.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery emphasised that only a small number of staff were affected, while recruitment of Nigerian talent continues through graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire processes.
“Over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in our petroleum refinery, at present. 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 management explained.
The refinery also reaffirmed its commitment to internationally accepted labour principles, stressing that it respects the right of every worker to freely decide on union membership.
“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 statement added.
According to management, the refinery exists to serve Nigerians, strengthen Africa’s energy independence, and create sustainable jobs, pledging to maintain transparency and accountability in its operations.
“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,” it noted.
