The Vice President of Dangote Group, Devakumar Edwin, has revealed that Nigerian workers have attempted to sabotage the Dangote Refinery 22 times.
These incidents include triggering fires, machine manipulation, and other malicious attempts, which were foiled by the refinery’s advanced control and monitoring system.
Edwin expressed concern that if such sabotage can occur in a private refinery, it raises questions about the security of government-owned facilities, where workers may feel protected by their unions and job security.
The refinery has taken measures to address these incidents, including reorganizing its workforce and dismissing some workers involved in the sabotage attempts. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has criticized the move, claiming over 800 workers were unfairly dismissed and replaced with Indian workers.
The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest refinery with a crude processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is a significant investment in Nigeria’s energy sector. Its successful operation is crucial for the country’s energy independence and regional fuel supply.
