According to PENGASSAN, over 800 workers were laid off on Thursday, shortly after they completed the process of unionisation in line with directives from the Federal Government. The association also alleged that more than 2,000 Indian expatriates were retained and recruited to replace the sacked Nigerian staff.
Dangote Refinery Denies Targeting Union Members
In a memo dated September 25, 2025, and signed by Femi Adekunle, Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, the company said the move was part of a “total reorganisation” of the refinery. Management cited repeated cases of sabotage in different units, describing the decision as necessary to safeguard operations and address major safety concerns.
“All staff are required to surrender company property and obtain exit clearance,” the letter partly read.
Reacting, the refinery denied claims that the action targeted union members, stressing that only a few workers were affected and that over 3,000 Nigerians remain actively employed at the facility. The company also emphasized its commitment to international labour standards and workers’ rights.
“Our commitment to workers’ rights is unwavering. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery exists to serve Nigerians, to strengthen Africa’s energy independence, and to create decent, sustainable jobs,” the management stated.
PENGASSAN Accuses Refinery of Discrimination
PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, rejected the company’s explanation, insisting that the sack was directly linked to union activities.
“When the witch cries in the night and the baby dies in the morning, what do you expect?” he said, adding that the timing of the mass dismissal proved it was retaliation against unionisation.
He accused the refinery of violating Section 7 of the Labour Act, which prohibits discrimination and guarantees fair workplace treatment.
“Is it only expatriates that will carry out reorganisation? Nigerians were fired while over 2,000 expatriates continue their jobs. This is not just unfair — it is unacceptable,” he said.
Okugbawa revealed that PENGASSAN was consulting its National Executive Council on next steps, which could include picketing or mass protests, despite a subsisting court injunction obtained by Dangote Refinery against union blockades.
Rising Tensions in the Oil and Gas Sector
The dispute comes shortly after members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) temporarily shut down the refinery over allegations that tanker drivers were being denied unionisation rights.
With the latest development, labour tensions around Africa’s largest refinery are set to escalate, raising fresh questions about workers’ rights, expatriate dominance, and the balance between private enterprise and national labour laws.
