Dangote Refinery recalls engineers after union face-off

Dangote Petroleum Refinery says it has approved the recall of engineers previously sacked and redeployed across its business units during its face-off with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria.

In a statement on Thursday, the refinery said the recall followed what management described as a conditional pardon after internal disciplinary actions linked to operational disruptions.

“In an internal communication to staff, the company said the decision followed an extensive review process and numerous appeals from respected individuals, stakeholders, and the engineers,” the statement disclosed.

The refinery noted that while earlier actions were taken to protect operations and uphold organisational standards, it has now opted to offer a second opportunity to the staff.

“Under the directive, according to a memo signed by the Group Vice President, Oil & Gas, Devakumar Edwin, all affected personnel will be invited for a meeting and subsequently reassigned to resume duties at the refinery. The recall also covers those who did not take up earlier redeployment options offered by the company,” it was stated.

The management emphasised that the move reflects both a commitment to fairness and a belief in second chances, while reiterating that discipline, professionalism, and adherence to corporate values remain non-negotiable.

“This decision was not an easy one. It reflects not only our belief in second chances but also serves as a clear reminder that loyalty, professionalism, and adherence to organisational standards are non-negotiable.

“Effective immediately, all engineers previously redeployed to other business units will be invited for a meeting and subsequently will be provided with an opportunity to render their services at our petroleum refinery. This would include those who did not avail themselves of the opportunity provided earlier for redeployment,” it was stated.

The company, however, issued a firm warning that any recurrence of misconduct would attract immediate and decisive sanctions, underscoring its zero-tolerance stance on actions capable of undermining operations.

Dangote Refinery added that it expects the returning engineers to demonstrate renewed dedication as it continues efforts to strengthen operational efficiency and maintain its position as a key player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“We welcome our colleagues back, with the expectation of renewed dedication, and we look forward to working together to strengthen our operations and deliver excellence in the oil and gas sector,” it added.

Recall that many engineers were sacked in October 2025 for allegedly sabotaging the refinery. But the workers said they were victimised for joining PENGASSAN.

PENGASSAN shut down oil and gas facilities for days in October over allegations that 800 refinery workers were fired for volunteering to be members of the union.

But the Dangote refinery said it only sacked a few workers who were sabotaging the facility, tagging it a “reorganisation”.

Oil and gas workers went on strike in defence of their colleagues, causing national losses in oil and gas production as well as a drop in power generation last year.

The intervention of the Federal Government at the time restored peace as the Dangote Group was asked to redeploy the sacked workers.

The PUNCH reported that the engineers were posted to Borno, Zamfara, Benue, and other states. The engineers, some of whom were still graduate trainees during their sack, were invited to pick up their re-employment and redeployment letters, but many refused to do so.

The workers told our correspondent last year that some were sent to a coal mine in Benue and concrete road construction sites in Borno and Ebonyi states, as well as rice plants in Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.

The recall of the workers is an indication that peace has finally returned within the Dangote refinery.