By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Reports have surfaced alleging that Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed its entire Nigerian workforce, sparking outrage over the timing of the move.
Political commentator Imran Wakili, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, claimed the mass sackings came less than 24 hours after about 90% of the refinery’s staff joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
According to Wakili, a memo dated September 25, 2025, and signed by the refinery’s Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, Femi Adekunle, cited a “total re-organisation” of the facility as the reason for the dismissals.
The purported memo directed staff to return all company property, complete exit clearances, and await payment of benefits and entitlements “in line with terms of employment.” It also thanked employees for their service while attributing the restructuring to “sabotage across various refinery units.”
As of press time, the refinery’s management has not released any official statement to confirm or deny the reports. However, labour sources warned the alleged action could spark legal battles, particularly given its proximity to the workers’ unionisation drive.
The refinery, Africa’s largest privately owned oil processing plant, has faced scrutiny in recent months as it ramps up operations to meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel needs.