JUST IN: Dangote Refinery Fires All Nigerian Workers Hours After Joining PENGASSAN

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

Political commentator Imran Wakili shared the development on X on Wednesday, stating that approximately 90% of the refinery’s Nigerian workers had joined the union before the layoffs.

According to a memo dated September 25, 2025, and signed by Femi Adekunle, Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, the decision was part of a “total re-organisation” of the plant, citing reported cases of sabotage in various units. The memo instructed affected staff to return all company property to their line managers and complete exit clearance procedures. The finance department was directed to calculate and process their benefits in accordance with their employment terms.

The company expressed appreciation to the dismissed employees for their service during their tenure at the refinery.

This development occurs amid ongoing trade disputes between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN regarding unionization rights.