Management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has disclosed that at least 22 documented sabotage incidents within the facility compelled the company to undertake a sweeping workforce reorganisation, which, according to officials, led to the dismissal of several staff members. The refinery—hailed as Africa’s largest privately owned refining facility—described the reorganisation as a necessary move to safeguard operations, protect personnel, and ensure the safety and stability of its infrastructure rather than as a punitive measure against unionisation.
During a media tour, Edwin Devakumar, Vice President of Dangote Industries, revealed that acts ranging from deliberate attempts to ignite fires to tampering with control panels had been recorded since the refinery’s commissioning. He assured that the facility’s state-of-the-art automated systems, coupled with robust fire suppression technology, had successfully mitigated potential disasters.
Management emphasized that the decision to dismiss certain employees was directly linked to these sabotage activities, which posed significant safety risks and threatened to undermine the refinery’s operations. “This action was taken in the best interest of the refinery, our employees, and stakeholders,” said Femi Adekunle, Chief General Manager, Human Asset Management. “The sabotage incidents created vulnerabilities that could, if unchecked, lead to catastrophic outcomes.”
According to the company, most of the sabotage attempts were aimed at destabilizing critical units, with saboteurs trying to compromise valves, instruments, and other sensitive components. Adekunle noted that some staff involved were asked to hand in company property and await exit clearance, although there may be opportunities for reabsorption should investigations conclude favourably.
Despite the dismissals, the company affirmed that over 3,000 Nigerians remain employed at the refinery, stressing that only a “minimal number” of staff were affected. It also reiterated its policy that union membership remains a right and that the restructuring had nothing to do with employees joining Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
The reorganisation followed a tense standoff with PENGASSAN, which had accused the refinery of terminating workers for union activities and ordered crude and gas supply to the facility be halted. The union also launched a nationwide strike and vowed to continue protests unless dismissed workers were reinstated.
The dispute drew sharp reactions from industry bodies and observers, with labour analysts warning that prolonged disruption could hamper fuel supply and affect market stability. Others speculated about broader sabotage linked to vested interests threatened by Nigeria’s newfound refining capacity, which reduced reliance on imported fuel.
