By Amanabo Ocholi | The Bureau News
Barely 24 hours after workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), management has announced the dismissal of all its Nigerian employees.
Memo Announces “Total Reorganization”
In a memo dated September 25, 2025, signed by the Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, Femi Adekunle, the refinery said the layoffs were part of a “total re-organisation” following reported cases of sabotage within certain refinery units.
The notice directed affected staff to:
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Return all company property to their line managers.
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Obtain exit clearance.
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Await computation of benefits and entitlements for settlement by the finance department.
The management thanked the dismissed workers for their services.
PENGASSAN Reacts: Calls Dismissals “Bad Faith”
In a swift response, PENGASSAN condemned the action, insisting workers had unionized in line with Nigerian labour laws. The union revealed that during a recent meeting between Dangote management, NUPENG, and the Federal Ministry of Labour, the company stated it had no objection to union membership provided it was voluntary.
Following the exercise, over 1,000 workers voluntarily joined PENGASSAN, a decision that was officially communicated to the refinery’s management and verified directly with staff.
PENGASSAN however described the sudden sack as an act of bad faith, aimed at weakening the union and intimidating its members:
“This disengagement is not just sabotage; it is a calculated attempt to undermine workers’ constitutional rights to freedom of association,” the union stated.
The group also alleged that refinery management was pushing for the arrest of its Caretaker Committee Chairman, whose only “offence” was leading workers into lawful union membership.
NUPENG Yet to React
As of press time, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) had not reacted to the mass sack. Analysts say its silence may be tied to an existing National Industrial Court order restraining it from disrupting operations at the refinery.
Nigeria News Today Labour Desk Insight
The development marks a major labour dispute at Africa’s largest refinery, raising questions about the balance between industrial rights and corporate restructuring. According to The Bureau News, the situation could spark broader union action unless swiftly resolved by relevant authorities.
For further context, read PENGASSAN official releases and Nigerian Labour Congress updates.
