The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has defended its ongoing reorganisation exercise, insisting that the move was necessary to address repeated acts of sabotage and to safeguard the facility’s long-term stability.
In a statement issued on Friday, the company said the restructuring was not arbitrary but was taken in the best interest of the refinery following “intermittent cases of sabotage” in various units, which it noted posed serious risks to human life and operational efficiency.
“We remain vigilant to our internal systems and vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term stability of this strategic national asset. It is imperative to protect the refinery for the benefit of Nigerians, our partners across Africa, and the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on it,” the statement read.
The refinery disclosed that over 3,000 Nigerians remain in active employment at the facility, stressing that only a small number of workers were affected by the reorganisation. It added that recruitment of Nigerian talent is ongoing through graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire processes.
Reaffirming its commitment to labour rights, the management said the refinery upholds internationally accepted principles, including the right of workers to freely decide whether or not to join a union.
“The Dangote Petroleum Refinery exists to serve Nigerians, to strengthen Africa’s energy independence, and to create decent, sustainable jobs. We will continue to work in partnership with our employees, regulators, and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety, transparency, and accountability,” the statement added.
The refinery, which is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most strategic industrial projects, has recently been at the centre of debates over labour practices following reports of staff dismissals.