Outrage as Dangote Refinery Sacks Over 1,000 Nigerian Workers After Joining PENGASSAN

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos has come under heavy fire after abruptly terminating the employment of more than 1,000 Nigerian staff—mostly engineers—just 24 hours after they joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

The mass dismissal, which took place on September 25, 2025, has ignited widespread outrage among labour groups and the public. Management described the move as a “reorganization” aimed at addressing alleged sabotage and safety risks within the $20 billion refinery.

However, PENGASSAN has condemned the action, accusing the refinery of targeting employees for exercising their constitutional right to unionize. The union warned that unless all affected workers are reinstated, it will mobilize its members nationwide in protest.

The controversy has also highlighted a growing rift between Nigerian and expatriate staff. While local employees reportedly earn around ₦383,000 monthly, their foreign counterparts take home $2,000 or more—a disparity further inflaming tensions.

With anger mounting, PENGASSAN has convened an emergency meeting to decide its next course of action. Labour watchers say the outcome could spark one of Nigeria’s most significant industrial face-offs in recent years.