Lagos, Nigeria – Confusion has gripped Nigeria’s energy sector after a leaked internal memo suggested that all Dangote Refinery workers had been dismissed, reportedly for joining the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
The memo, signed by Femi Adekunle, Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, cited “total re-organisation” and “recent cases of reported sabotage” as reasons for the mass dismissal. Dated September 25, the document instructed staff to surrender company property and await clearance instructions, while assuring that benefits and entitlements would be computed and paid.
The leak, shared on X by political commentator Imran Wakili, came less than 24 hours after reports that 90% of the refinery’s workforce had joined PENGASSAN. The timing has fueled speculation that the dismissals were directly linked to union activities.
Dangote Refinery, which operates Africa’s largest 650,000 barrels-per-day plant, has yet to confirm or deny the authenticity of the memo. The company is already entangled in disputes with labour unions over fuel distribution policies.
Reacting to the development, PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo—who also leads the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC)—acknowledged receipt of the letter. “Yes, it is true. We saw the letter late last night. I can assure you that they will recall all of them,” Osifo told Daily Post, suggesting negotiations were underway.
The incident adds fresh tension to an already volatile environment. In recent weeks, PENGASSAN has ordered members to halt crude and gas supply to the refinery in protest over labour issues, while Dangote management has condemned such directives as “lawless.”
Industry analysts warn that the ongoing dispute could destabilize Nigeria’s downstream oil sector at a time when the refinery is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing fuel imports and stabilizing domestic supply.
For now, the fate of the dismissed Dangote Refinery workers remains uncertain, pending an official statement from the company.
