Dangote Refinery terminates all Nigerian staff after 90% joined PENGASSAN. Management cites “sabotage” and re-organisation, sparking labour dispute concerns.
The management of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reportedly terminated the employment of all its Nigerian staff, less than 24 hours after 90 per cent of the workforce joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
Mass Termination Notice
In an internal memo dated September 25, 2025, and signed by the Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, Femi Adekunle, the refinery described the decision as part of a “total re-organisation” exercise.
The notice alleged that the drastic step was necessitated by “reported cases of sabotage” discovered in different units of the plant.
Affected employees were instructed to surrender all company property in their possession to their respective line managers and obtain exit clearance.
The finance department was also directed to compute outstanding benefits and entitlements for immediate payment, in line with the terms of employment.
Fallout of Union Dispute
The refinery and PENGASSAN have been embroiled in a trade dispute in recent months over the unionisation of staff. The mass sack is widely seen as a direct fallout of that standoff.
Labour leaders have yet to issue an official response as of the time of filing this report.
Implications
The development raises concerns about labour rights, industrial relations, and the future of union activities within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Analysts warn that the move could trigger a wider confrontation between organised labour and the refinery’s management, with potential ripple effects across the industry.
