Naijaonpoint Media reports that the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed all of its Nigerian workers, citing “total re-organisation” of the facility.
A memo dated September 25, 2025, signed by Femi Adekunle, Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, confirmed the decision. The notice instructed affected staff to hand over all company property to their line managers and obtain exit clearance. The finance department was also directed to compute benefits and entitlements for payment in line with the terms of their employment.
The refinery’s management explained that the shake-up was necessary following what it described as reported cases of sabotage in different units of the plant.
However, the development has triggered controversy. Political commentator Imran Wakili, who posted the memo on X, claimed the mass sack occurred less than 24 hours after about 90 percent of the affected workers joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
Wakili alleged that the dismissals were linked to the growing unionization drive within the refinery.
The refinery management, in its internal communication, expressed appreciation to the dismissed employees for their service.
The decision comes amid an ongoing trade dispute between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN, raising questions about labour relations at one of Nigeria’s most strategic industrial projects.