Dangote Refinery Terminates Employment of Nigerian Workers Following Unionization

The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reportedly terminated the employment of all its Nigerian staff, less than 24 hours after a majority of them joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

The development was first reported on social media by political commentator Imran Wakili, who stated that the layoffs were carried out under the guise of “reorganisation” following the workers’ unionization. According to Wakili, about 90 percent of the refinery’s staff had joined PENGASSAN prior to the action.

A memo dated September 25, 2025, and signed by the Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, Femi Adekunle, cited a “total re-organisation” of the plant following reported cases of sabotage in different units. Staff affected by the termination were instructed to return all company property and obtain exit clearance. The finance department was directed to calculate benefits and entitlements due to the dismissed workers in accordance with their employment terms.

The refinery’s management thanked the employees for their service.

Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN have been engaged in a longstanding dispute over unionization rights, and this latest development is likely to intensify tensions between the parties.

Olayinka Babatunde