The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has terminated the appointments of some of its workers, citing repeated acts of sabotage that have raised significant safety concerns and affected operational efficiency.
The company emphasised that the decision is not arbitrary but a necessary measure to protect the facility and ensure its long-term stability.
A letter signed by the Chief General Manager, Human Asset Management at Dangote Group, Femi Adekunle, and sent to its staff members informed affected staff members that their services are no longer required, effective 25 September.
“In view of the many recent cases of reported sabotage in different units of the Petroleum Refinery leading to major safety concerns, the management is constrained to carry out a total re-organisation of the plant.
“As a consequence of this development, we wish to inform you that your services are no longer required, with effect from the eve of Thursday, the 25th September, 2025. Please surrender all the company’s properties in your possession to your line manager and obtain an exit clearance accordingly but, the date for doing so, will be communicated to you later.
“The Finance Department, by a copy of this letter, is advised to compute all your benefits and entitlements in line with your terms of employment and conditions of service and pay the amount due to you (less all indebtedness), subject to the condition that you have obtained the exit clearance certificate as mentioned above. We seize this opportunity to thank you for your services while you were in our employment,” the letter reads.
Reasons for sacking
Confirming the development in a statement signed by its management on Friday, the company said “This exercise is not arbitrary. It has become necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency.”
It added that the decision was taken in the best interest of the refinery as a result of intermittent cases of sabotage in the various units of the refinery with dire consequences on human life and related safety concerns.
“We remain vigilant to our internal systems and vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term stability of this strategic national asset. It is imperative to protect the refinery for the benefit of Nigerians, our partners across Africa, and the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on it,” it added
It explained that over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in its refinery, at present.
“Only a very small number of staff were affected, as we continue to recruit Nigerian talent through our various graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire recruitment process.
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“We recognise and uphold internationally accepted labour principles, including the right of every worker to freely decide whether or not to join a union. Our commitment to workers’ rights is unwavering,” the statement said.
The refinery said it exists to serve Nigerians, to strengthen Africa’s energy independence, and to create decent, sustainable jobs.
“We will continue to work in partnership with our employees, regulators, and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety, transparency, and accountability.”
