Dangote Refinery Allegedly Lays Off All Nigerian Staff, Claimed staff joined PENGASSAN

Reports have emerged that Dangote Petroleum Refinery has terminated the employment of its entire Nigerian workforce, in what many are calling an abrupt and sweeping restructuring.

A political commentator, Imran Wakili, broke the news in a post on X on Wednesday, claiming that the mass layoffs occurred less than 24 hours after 90% of the staff joined PENGASSAN (Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria).

Wakili shared a memo, dated September 25, 2025, and signed by the Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, Femi Adekunle, indicating that the decision followed a “total re-organisation” of the refinery. The memo reportedly directed affected employees to return all company property to their line managers, secure exit clearances, and await settlement of benefits and entitlements in accordance with their employment terms.

The notice also mentioned that the company would calculate and pay outstanding entitlements, thanking the dismissed workers for their services during their tenure.

According to the memo (as posted by Wakili), the reorganization was triggered by alleged sabotage across various refinery units.

As of now, the refinery management has not issued an official public statement confirming or denying the mass termination. Reports from labor circles suggest the move may fuel legal challenges, especially because of the timing relative to the workers’ unionization.