The management of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed several workers in what it described as a reorganisation exercise, though multiple sources insist the real reason was the alleged sharing of sensitive operational information through a WhatsApp group linked to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
According to insiders, the crisis began when PENGASSAN reached out to employees of the refinery, urging them to join the union with a promise of protection. A WhatsApp group was reportedly created, where membership forms were distributed and workers were asked to provide updates on refinery activities.
However, management allegedly considered the information shared on the platform as a breach of trust and a potential threat to refinery operations. Sources claimed that “daily reports” about operations leaked through the group, prompting swift disciplinary action.
In dismissal letters signed by Femi Adekunle, Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, Dangote Group maintained that the sack, effective 25 September, was necessary to protect the refinery from acts of sabotage.
“This exercise is not arbitrary. It has become necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency,” the letter stated.
Management further stressed that the measure was taken in the “best interest of the refinery” to prevent risks to human lives and ensure long-term stability.
In retaliation, PENGASSAN accused the refinery of anti-labour practices and discrimination against local staff. The union directed its members nationwide to withdraw their services and threatened to block gas supply to the refinery beginning midnight of 28 September.
During protests in Abuja, banners read: “Dangote Must Obey”, “Dangote is Not Bigger Than the Country”, and “Dangote the Chief of Lawless Officer”.
The union also alleged that the refinery was spreading misinformation to justify the sack of its members.
Dangote Refinery swiftly condemned PENGASSAN’s directives, describing them as unlawful and warning that the union had no legal authority to interfere with its contracts with third-party crude and gas suppliers. It appealed to the federal government and security agencies to prevent disruptions that could damage the economy.
The standoff drew national attention, with the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and the Ministry of Labour and Employment calling for restraint. Minister of Labour, Muhammad Dingyadi, disclosed that reconciliation efforts were underway to avert an escalation.
On Monday, the National Industrial Court in Abuja issued an interim injunction restraining PENGASSAN from cutting off crude and gas supply to the refinery or continuing its nationwide strike.
Despite an initial deadlock in negotiations, a government-brokered meeting involving both parties, held at the Ministry of Labour and later at the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), produced a breakthrough in the early hours of Wednesday.
Key resolutions reached include:
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Workers’ right to unionisation is protected under Nigerian law and must be respected.
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Disengaged staff will be redeployed to other companies within the Dangote Group with no loss of pay.
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No worker will be victimised for their role in the impasse.
Following this agreement, PENGASSAN suspended its nationwide strike and reopened dialogue with the refinery management.
The truce brings temporary relief to the nation’s energy sector, but it also highlights the delicate balance between protecting industrial facilities and upholding workers’ rights. Industry observers say the dispute underscores the need for stronger engagement between corporate organisations and labour unions in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
