Dangote Refinery sacks workers over WhatsApp leaks tied to PENGASSAN, sparking union protests and federal government intervention
Sources claimed PENGASSAN officials invited refinery employees to join the union, encouraging them to share daily operational reports through the group. Management reportedly saw this as a breach of trust and sabotage.
Also read: Dangote Group worker reassignment ends refinery dispute
The refinery said the dismissals, effective 25 September, were part of a necessary reorganisation to protect operations from repeated acts of sabotage that posed serious safety risks.
PENGASSAN, however, rejected the explanation, accusing the company of anti-labour practices and threatening to cut off crude and gas supply.
The union staged protests at key energy agencies, carrying banners declaring “Dangote Must Obey” and “Dangote is Not Bigger Than the Country.”
The standoff prompted urgent intervention by the federal government and the House of Representatives, which appealed for calm.
The National Industrial Court also issued an interim order restraining PENGASSAN from disrupting supply to the refinery.
After marathon negotiations facilitated by the Ministry of Labour and the Office of the National Security Adviser, both sides reached an agreement in the early hours of Wednesday.
The deal confirmed workers’ right to unionise under Nigerian law and provided that disengaged staff would be redeployed to other Dangote Group companies without loss of pay.
Both parties also agreed that no employee would be victimised for their role in the dispute.
Also read: Dangote Refinery sack triggers nationwide strike
The resolution has temporarily eased tensions, but the incident highlights the fragile balance between corporate control, labour rights, and Nigeria’s economic interests at the country’s largest refinery.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
