Dangote Refinery Accused of Sacking 90% Nigerian Workers After Joining Union

The Dangote Refinery has come under fire after allegations surfaced that it dismissed its Nigerian workers less than 24 hours after they joined a trade union. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) claims the layoffs are retaliatory and have vowed to challenge the decision.

A memo dated 25 September, signed by the refinery’s Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, Femi Adekunle, cited “total re-organisation” as the reason for the move. The company alleged incidents of sabotage in several refinery units, and directed affected staff to return company property and process their exit with the finance department.

PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo confirmed the development to newsmen, saying the union received the letter late on Wednesday. “Yes, it is true. We saw the letter late last night. I can assure you that they will recall all of them,” he said. Political commentator Imran Wakili had earlier posted on X, claiming that 90% of the dismissed workers had just joined the union.

The incident has escalated tensions between Dangote Refinery and organised labour. NUPENG, a sister union, had recently threatened a strike in solidarity, which was suspended following federal government intervention. A temporary court injunction previously preventing union-led industrial actions has since expired, raising fears of renewed disruption in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.