The management of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has defended its recent disengagement of some employees, insisting the decision was taken to protect the facility from repeated acts of sabotage that raised safety concerns and hampered operations.
This clarification comes amid concerns raised by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which accused the refinery of carrying out a mass sack and intimidating workers who joined the union.
In a statement issued on Friday, the refinery dismissed insinuations of arbitrary dismissals, stressing that only a very small number of staff were affected in the ongoing reorganisation.
“The foregoing decision was taken in the best interest of the Refinery as a result of intermittent cases of sabotage in the various units of the Refinery with dire consequences on human life and related safety concerns,” the management said.
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The company added that more than 3,000 Nigerians remain employed at the plant, while recruitment continues through graduate trainee schemes and experienced hire programmes.
On the issue of workers’ rights, Dangote Petroleum Refinery said it recognises internationally accepted labour principles, including the right of every worker to freely decide whether or not to join a union.
“Our commitment to workers’ rights is unwavering. We remain vigilant to our internal systems and vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term stability of this strategic national asset,” the statement added.
The company reiterated its mission to serve Nigerians, strengthen Africa’s energy independence, and create decent, sustainable jobs.
PENGASSAN had earlier alleged that some workers were being victimised for associating with the union, calling on the management to reinstate affected staff and respect workers’ rights.
