The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reassured Nigerians that its ongoing reorganisation is a carefully considered step to strengthen safety, integrity, and the long-term sustainability of the $20 billion facility.
In a statement released Friday, the management of the refinery clarified that the restructuring was not arbitrary but a necessary response to repeated acts of sabotage in various operational units of the refinery. These incidents, the company said, created serious safety risks, disrupted operational efficiency, and underscored the need to fortify internal processes.
“This exercise has become necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency.
“It is imperative to protect this national asset for the benefit of Nigerians, our partners across Africa, and the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on it,” the statement explained.
— Dangote Group (@DangoteGroup) September 26, 2025
Over 3,000 Nigerians Retained
Despite reports of job losses, the company disclosed that more than 3,000 Nigerians remain actively employed at the refinery, while only a small number of staff were affected by the exercise.
Recruitment is ongoing through graduate trainee programmes and experienced-hire placements, with management insisting that Nigerian talent remains at the core of its operations.
The refinery described the measure as a consolidation process designed to strengthen efficiency rather than a downsizing effort. “We will continue to provide decent, sustainable jobs while building capacity for the future,” it said.
Strong Commitment to Workers’ Rights
Responding to concerns about labour relations, Dangote Petroleum Refinery reiterated its respect for internationally recognised labour principles.
It reaffirmed that all employees retain the right to freely decide whether or not to join a union and that workers’ rights remain protected.
“Our commitment to workers’ rights is unwavering. We recognise that the refinery’s success is tied to the well-being of our people, and we will continue to operate with fairness and transparency,” the company emphasised.
Strategic Importance of the Refinery
The 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery, officially commissioned in 2023, was conceived to end Nigeria’s decades-long dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
The facility is expected to save the country billions of dollars in foreign exchange annually, stabilise domestic fuel supply, and transform Nigeria into a regional refining hub.
Industry experts see the refinery as a game-changer for Africa’s energy security, with the potential to export refined products across West and Central Africa, reduce import bills, and create jobs across multiple value chains.
In addition to direct employment, the refinery has spurred growth in support services, logistics, and supply chains, indirectly benefiting thousands of households. The reorganisation, according to management, is aimed at protecting these wider socio-economic benefits from internal and external threats.
Looking Ahead
As the refinery gradually ramps up operations, it faces intense public scrutiny and high expectations. Many Nigerians see it as a solution to chronic fuel scarcity and rising energy costs.
The company has pledged to work closely with employees, regulators, and other stakeholders to maintain operational integrity, transparency, and accountability.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery remains one of Nigeria’s most strategic industrial assets, an enterprise whose success or failure has far-reaching consequences for the economy.
The management insists that by addressing sabotage risks and reinforcing safety protocols now, it is laying the foundation for sustainable operations that will serve Nigerians for generations.