By Ghazali Ibrahim
Reorganisation or mass layoff? That’s the unfolding controversy after an internal memo from Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE made its way into the public domain, ordering affected employees to surrender company property and obtain exit clearance.
The letter, signed by Femi Adekunle, Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, states the action takes effect from September 25, 2025, citing “many recent cases of reported sabotage” in refinery units as justification.
Reports, particularly from Sahara Reporters, claim that the management sacked all Nigerian workers less than 24 hours after over 90% of the workforce joined PENGASSAN, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria.
According to the memo’s instructions, affected staff were to hand over all company assets, await clearance, and have their benefits computed based on their service terms.
However, the company moved quickly to push back on the “mass sack” narrative. A senior Refinery official told Punch that the reorganisation is not a blanket dismissal but a targeted exercise intended to weed out sabotage and plug security gaps.
“It doesn’t mean they have been sacked. That is incorrect,” the source said.
“As we speak, people are still working at the refinery… Those who did not get the letter are not affected.”
The development has prompted a strong reaction from labour groups.
NUPENG described the move as a vivid display of Dangote’s disregard for labour rights.
PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, confirmed receipt of the memo and vowed that the company would reverse its decision.
“Yes, it is true … we saw the letter … I assure you they will recall all of them,” he told Daily Post.
The timing of the memo so soon after unionisation has raised eyebrows. Some observers suggest the sacking was in retaliation for staff joining PENGASSAN.
Meanwhile, reports show that over 200 staff members have already received termination letters pending exit formalities.
With the labor regulations of Nigeria mandating due process and negotiation before mass terminations, this move may be challenged in Industrial Courts.
Union leaders are already mobilising, and workers may demand reinstatement or damages.
