The Dangote Group has denied widespread reports of mass job cuts at its Petroleum Refinery, stating that only a very small number of employees were affected by its current restructuring exercise.
In a statement posted on the Group’s official X account on Friday, management explained that the reorganisation is aimed at protecting refinery operations from repeated sabotage, which has posed safety risks and disrupted efficiency.
According to the company, over 3,000 Nigerians remain employed at the refinery. “The Dangote Petroleum Refinery wishes to clarify recent reports concerning the ongoing reorganisation within its facility. 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 statement noted.
It further added: “Over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in our Petroleum Refinery, at present. Only a very small number of staff were affected, as we continue to recruit Nigerian talent through our various graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire recruitment process.”
The company reaffirmed its adherence to global labour standards, emphasising that staff retain the freedom to join or not join a union. Management also stressed the need to remain vigilant against internal vulnerabilities to ensure the refinery’s long-term stability.
The Group said the refinery was built to serve Nigeria, enhance Africa’s energy security, and create sustainable jobs while working closely with regulators, employees, and stakeholders.
Before the reorganisation, tensions had escalated between the refinery and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), which accused management of undermining workers’ union rights. A government-mediated agreement was signed with representatives from three federal ministries and the DSS, but fresh disputes soon arose over alleged violations of the accord.
Despite this, Dangote Refinery has maintained that union membership is a personal choice for employees.
