The development was first disclosed on Wednesday by political commentator Imran Wakili via a post on X (formerly Twitter). Wakili alleged that “Dangote Refinery has officially laid off all of its Nigerian workers under the guise of ‘reorganization,’ less than 24 hours after 90% of them joined PENGASSAN.”
A memo dated September 25, 2025, signed by the refinery’s Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, Femi Adekunle, and circulated by Wakili, confirmed the decision. The company described the action as part of a “total re-organisation” of the facility, citing reported cases of sabotage in different units of the refinery.
The notice directed the affected workers to immediately return all company property in their possession to their line managers and complete exit clearance. The finance department was instructed to calculate severance packages and other entitlements in line with their terms of employment.
While thanking the dismissed employees for their contributions, the management reiterated that the restructuring was necessary to protect the refinery’s operations and long-term sustainability.
The mass sack, however, has stirred public debate, given its timing — coming shortly after workers moved to unionize under PENGASSAN.
