Dangote Oil Refinery has confirmed a recent restructuring exercise within its operations, stating that the move was necessary to strengthen efficiency and ensure the safety of its facility. The company explained that the decision followed incidents of sabotage that had affected operations, making a reorganisation unavoidable.
While the exact number of affected employees was not disclosed, the refinery emphasised that more than 3,000 Nigerian staff members continue to work at the plant. A letter seen by Reuters indicated that some staff exits took effect on September 25.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has raised concerns regarding the development, noting that some workers were laid off. In response, Dangote reiterated its commitment to internationally recognised labour standards, including employees’ rights to freely decide on union membership.
Africa’s largest refinery, with the capacity to process 650,000 barrels of crude per day, began operations in January 2024. In late August, the facility temporarily shut its gasoline unit for scheduled repairs expected to last two to three months. According to shipping data from Kpler, the refinery increased exports of fuel oil in September, a trend consistent with standard refinery operations during maintenance periods.
