Dangote Refinery Refutes Mass Sack Rumour

The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed reports suggesting that it carried out a mass sack of workers, insisting that only a limited number of dismissals have taken place and not the sweeping retrenchment claimed in some quarters.

Rumours of large-scale layoffs had spread in recent days, sparking concern among employees and fuelling speculation about the refinery’s operations.

In a statement, however, the company clarified that while “some workers” have been let go, there has been no mass retrenchment as alleged.

The clarification comes amid ongoing repairs at the refinery’s gasoline unit, which was shut down in late August for maintenance expected to last two to three months.

Industry watchers say such operational adjustments often lead to changes in staffing patterns, sometimes fuelling speculation about large-scale job losses.

International reports had also noted that some Nigerian workers were affected, though no specific figures were provided. The company has yet to disclose how many people were dismissed or the criteria used for the decisions.

The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest single-train petroleum refining facility, is a crucial part of Nigeria’s bid to reduce fuel imports and stabilise domestic supply.

Public sensitivity to news of layoffs is high, given the refinery’s importance as both a national project and a major employer.

While details remain limited, the company’s dismissal of the “mass sack” claim aims to calm fears and reassure stakeholders of its commitment to stable operations.

Labour unions and analysts, however, are calling for greater transparency regarding staffing decisions and long-term job security at the multibillion-dollar facility.