- Mass sackings reportedly followed a surge in union membership, reigniting concerns over workers’ rights and freedom of association within Nigeria’s largest refinery.
The truce appears to be over between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers (NUPENG) as both parties brace for another showdown. This is due to the recent dismissal b the company of almost 90 percent of its Nigerian labour force; allegedly less than 24 hours after they formally joined NUPENG.
In an internal memo, the refinery’s management issued termination letters to affected employees on Wednesday, September 25, 2025, citing a “total re-organisation” of the company’s structure. The memo, reportedly signed by Femi Adekunle, Chief General Manager, Human Asset Management, instructed dismissed staff to return all company property and proceed with exit clearance formalities.
“The decision,” the memo stated, “was taken as part of a total reorganisation of operations following reported incidents of sabotage within different units of the refinery.”
The management also directed the finance department to compute benefits and entitlements for the affected workers, assuring that payments would be made in line with contractual terms.
This move marks a new flashpoint in the long-running tension between the refinery and organized labour. Over the past few months, industry unions have accused the refinery of resisting unionization efforts and discouraging employees from joining recognized trade unions.
Earlier this year, the matter was brought before the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, resulting in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the refinery and labour representatives. The agreement reaffirmed workers’ rights to freedom of association and barred management from victimizing staff who joined or intended to join labour unions.
However, the recent mass dismissals, coming shortly after widespread union registration among staff, have raised concerns about the refinery’s commitment to that agreement and to fair labour practices within the nation’s largest private industrial establishment.
Labour analysts describe the development as a potential “test case” for the enforcement of union rights under Nigeria’s labour laws, especially within emerging high-value sectors such as oil refining, manufacturing, and energy infrastructure.
As of press time, the Dangote Group had yet to issue an official statement clarifying the rationale or scope of the reported dismissals beyond the stated reorganisation. Meanwhile, NUPENG and other unions are said to be holding consultations to determine their next course of action.
