Mass Layoffs Rock Dangote Refinery Amid Dispute Over Workers’ Union Rights

The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has sacked its entire Nigerian workforce in a dramatic turn of events, citing a sweeping “total reorganization” of the company.

The mass layoff occurred less than 24 hours after about 90% of the refinery’s employees joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), escalating an already tense standoff between management and union leaders.

A leaked memo dated September 25, 2025, signed by Femi Adekunle, Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, instructed affected workers to return all company property and complete their exit clearance. The finance department was also directed to immediately compute the entitlements of those laid off.

The Dangote Refinery, hailed as one of Africa’s largest industrial projects, has been dogged by labour disputes since operations began. Workers had repeatedly complained about welfare, pay, and management’s resistance to full union representation.

The refinery, which only recently announced a reduction in petrol prices to ₦899.50k per litre, is now facing heavy criticism for its handling of labour relations.

Analysts warn that the sudden dismissal of Nigerian staff could trigger wider unrest in the oil and gas sector, especially as PENGASSAN has vowed to resist what it calls “union-busting tactics.”

This development marks a serious test for the refinery’s future, coming at a time when Nigerians are still grappling with high fuel costs and economic hardship.