Dangote Refinery addresses sabotage concerns amid reorganisation

Dangote Refinery addresses sabotage concerns amid reorganisation

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has clarified the reasons behind its ongoing reorganisation, emphasising the critical need to protect the facility from repeated sabotage that jeopardizes safety and disrupts operations.

In the statement issued on Friday, the company affirmed, “This exercise is not arbitrary. It has become necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency.”

The management noted the decision was made “in the best interest of the Refinery as result of intermittent cases of sabotage in the various units of the Refinery with dire consequences on human life and related safety concerns.”

Highlighting its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s strategic asset, the company said, “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.”

Addressing workforce implications, the statement assured that “Only a very small number of staff were affected,” noting that the refinery employs “over 3,000 Nigerians” and continues to recruit via graduate trainee programmes and experienced hires.

The company also underscored its adherence to labour rights, emphasising “We recognise and uphold internationally accepted labour principles, including the right of every worker to freely decide whether or not to join a union. Our commitment to workers’ rights is unwavering.”

Concluding, the management reiterated the refinery’s broader mission, “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.”