The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed all its Nigerian employees, barely a day after the majority of them joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

The announcement was shared on X on Wednesday by political commentator Imran Wakili, who revealed that about 90 percent of the refinery’s workforce had just enrolled with the union before the termination.

According to a memo dated September 25, 2025, and signed by the Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, Femi Adekunle, the company described the decision as part of a “total reorganisation” of the refinery, citing alleged cases of sabotage in different units.

The notice instructed affected employees to return all company property in their possession to their line managers and obtain exit clearance. It also directed the finance department to calculate their benefits and entitlements for settlement in line with contractual terms.

In the memo, the management expressed gratitude to the laid-off workers for their contributions during their time at the refinery.

The development follows ongoing tensions between the refinery and PENGASSAN over issues of unionisation.