Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has terminated the appointment of its workers, a move that has drawn strong reactions from labour unions.
A letter dated September 24, signed by the chief general manager of human asset management, Femi Adekunle, directed affected workers to surrender company property to their line managers and await computation of their entitlements.
The letter cited “many recent cases of reported sabotage in different units of the Petroleum Refinery leading to major safety concerns” as the reason for the decision.
“In view 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,” the letter read in part.
An official of the refinery confirmed the authenticity of the letter but insisted that the move was not a permanent sack, describing it as a reorganisation exercise to curb sabotage.
According to him, affected workers could be recalled once the issues were resolved.
The development has triggered a standoff with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
Its president, Festus Osifo, who also leads the Trade Union Congress, said the workers were removed after joining the union.
“Yes, it is true. We saw the letter late last night. I can assure you that they will recall all of them,” Mr Osifo said.
He added that PENGASSAN would hold an emergency National Executive Council meeting over the matter.
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) also criticised the refinery, accusing it of unfair labour practices.
A senior official of the union said the action was consistent with Dangote’s approach to labour issues.
The refinery, which began production in 2024, has faced a series of disputes with labour groups.
Earlier this month, it obtained an interim court order restraining NUPENG from striking over unionisation, but the order has since lapsed.
