Dangote Refinery Sacks Nigerian Workers Amid Union Dispute

Dangote Refinery sacks Nigerian workers amid a unionization dispute with PENGASSAN. Learn why management cited reorganisation and staff sabotage.

Dangote Refinery’s Mass Layoff Sparks Reactions

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reportedly dismissed all Nigerian workers, a move that has stirred nationwide reactions. According to reports, the management cited a “total reorganisation” of the refinery’s operations as the reason for the decision.

This development comes less than 24 hours after 90% of the refinery’s staff reportedly joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), fueling speculation that the action is tied to ongoing union disputes.

Details of the Reported Sack

On Wednesday, political commentator Imran Wakili shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the mass layoff was communicated through an official memo dated September 25, 2025. The document, signed by the Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, Femi Adekunle, outlined the reasons for the dismissal.

The memo specifically:

Directed disengaged employees to return all company property to their line managers.
Instructed the finance department to process workers’ benefits and entitlements in line with their contracts.
Thanked the affected employees for their contributions to the refinery.

The memo also alleged that incidents of “sabotage in some units” contributed to the drastic decision.

The Union Dispute Between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN

This mass sack is not happening in isolation. For months, Dangote Refinery has been locked in a dispute with PENGASSAN over the right of workers to unionise.

PENGASSAN, a powerful oil and gas sector union in Nigeria, has consistently advocated for workers’ rights and fair treatment.
Management at Dangote Refinery has reportedly resisted aspects of unionisation, leading to repeated clashes.

For more context, see reports on union rights in Nigeria via the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Implications for Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector

The Dangote Refinery, often described as Africa’s largest oil refinery, is expected to play a major role in reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products. However, this sudden dismissal of Nigerian staff could:

Disrupt ongoing refinery operations.
Trigger wider industrial actions in the oil and gas sector.
Lead to scrutiny from labour unions and the federal government.

If left unresolved, the refinery’s internal crisis may undermine its promise of stabilising Nigeria’s energy market.

Public and Political Reactions

The news has sparked mixed reactions online. Many Nigerians expressed shock at the scale of the sack, while others questioned whether union membership directly influenced the decision.

Labour watchers believe this case could set a precedent for how private mega-industries handle labour union disputes in Nigeria.

What’s Next for Affected Workers?

Although the refinery has assured that all disengaged staff will receive their benefits and entitlements, questions remain:

Will the workers challenge the decision in court?
Can PENGASSAN mobilise nationwide protests in response?
How will the federal government respond to protect labour rights?

For those interested in Nigeria’s labour union policies, visit the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

A Test of Labour Rights in Nigeria

The Dangote Refinery sack of Nigerian workers highlights the fragile balance between corporate management and union rights in the country. While management insists the decision stems from “reorganisation and sabotage,” labour activists view it as retaliation against employees for exercising their right to unionise.

As the story develops, Nigerians will be watching closely to see if this marks a turning point in how large corporations engage with labour unions.

Stay updated on this developing story by following official announcements and union statements. Share your thoughts—do you think the sack was justified, or was it an attack on workers’ rights?