The Dangote refinery has re-employed engineers who were dismissed last month during a conflict with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). Reports indicate that these engineers are being assigned to locations in Borno, Zamfara, Benue, and other states.
Some engineers, still in training at the time of their termination, received letters for their re-employment and redeployment. They are expected to report to new assignments, including coal mining and road construction projects, within 14 days or risk losing their jobs.
Concerns have been raised regarding the deployment to areas known for insecurity and the lack of specific reporting addresses in the letters. Workers expressed frustration over the vague instructions, with PENGASSAN advising them to hold off on accepting the letters until negotiations were concluded.
This re-employment follows PENGASSAN’s earlier strike action, which aimed to protest the mass dismissal of workers who sought union representation. The Dangote refinery claimed the layoffs were part of a reorganization aimed at addressing alleged sabotage.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, announced plans to expand the refinery’s capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, reinforcing the company’s commitment to enhancing domestic refining capabilities.
In addition, Dangote has voiced support for amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act, advocating for reforms that would bolster local refining and strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The proposed changes aim to address current legislative gaps and improve the operational environment for domestic producers.
The refinery’s expansion and regional infrastructure developments, such as a new tank farm in Namibia, align with Dangote’s broader strategy to meet Africa’s growing demand for refined petroleum products while reducing dependence on imports.
