Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has approved the recall of engineers who were previously sacked and redeployed across its business units in October 2025, following what management described as a “conditional pardon” after internal disciplinary actions linked to operational disruptions. The decision, conveyed in an internal memo to staff on Thursday, 30 April 2026, signals a significant shift in the company’s approach as it seeks to balance discipline with operational continuity at Africa’s largest single-train refinery.
The memo, signed by Devakumar Edwin, Group Vice President, Oil and Gas, stated that the decision followed an extensive internal review process and a series of appeals from respected individuals, stakeholders, and the affected engineers themselves. While the company did not disclose the exact number of staff being recalled, reports indicate that approximately 800 refinery engineers could be affected by the move. “This decision was not an easy one,” the memo read. “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.”
Under the new directive, all engineers previously redeployed to other business units will be invited for a meeting and subsequently provided with an opportunity to resume duties at the petroleum refinery. Crucially, the recall extends to personnel who did not take up earlier redeployment options offered by the company. This means that engineers who had either accepted redeployment to other companies within the Dangote Group or declined such offers can now return to the refinery. The move effectively reopens the door for a full technical workforce, which management hopes will strengthen the refinery’s operational stability.
However, the company accompanied the recall with a firm warning. Management stressed that the pardon should not be mistaken for leniency, and that any recurrence of misconduct would attract immediate and decisive sanctions. The company reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on actions capable of undermining operations, noting that discipline and professionalism remain central to its corporate culture. “This decision serves as a clear reminder that loyalty, professionalism and adherence to organisational standards are non-negotiable,” the memo reiterated.
The recall brings to a close a bitter labour dispute that began in October 2025. The Dangote Group had redeployed a number of refinery engineers to other subsidiaries following internal disruptions that threatened operational stability. The affected workers, however, claimed they were victimised for joining the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). PENGASSAN subsequently shut down oil and gas facilities for days, alleging that about 800 refinery workers had been fired for volunteering to be members of the union. The Dangote Group maintained that it had only taken disciplinary action against a few workers who were sabotaging the facility, describing the move as a routine “reorganisation.”
The dispute escalated into a nationwide strike, causing significant losses in oil and gas production and a drop in power generation. The intervention of the Federal Government eventually restored peace, with the Dangote Group being asked to redeploy the sacked workers, not dismiss them. Reports at the time indicated that the engineers were posted to various states across the country, including Borno, Zamfara, Benue, Ebonyi, Kebbi, and others. Some were sent to coal mines, concrete road construction sites, and rice plants. Many of the engineers, some of whom were still graduate trainees at the time, refused to accept their re-employment and redeployment letters.
PENGASSAN had on September 26 instructed its members to embark on a nationwide strike over the dismissal of workers by Dangote refinery. The union argued that the mass dismissal was a direct attack on the rights of workers to join a union and was a clear violation of labour laws. The government’s intervention at the time was critical in de-escalating the crisis, which had threatened to cripple Nigeria’s energy sector.
The latest recall is widely seen as a strategic recalibration by the Dangote Group. The refinery, representing a multi-billion-dollar investment, is central to Nigeria’s ambition to reduce its dependence on imported petroleum products. It has been under sustained pressure to maintain steady production and meet local demand. The recall of experienced technical staff is expected to help the company consolidate its expertise and reinforce discipline in a facility that is considered critical to the country’s energy security.
The company has since welcomed the returning engineers. “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,” the company said in a statement on Thursday. The development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to ensure the long-term stability and efficiency of the Dangote Refinery, which is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrialisation and energy independence strategy.
The recall has been met with cautious optimism by labour unions. While the unions have not yet issued an official statement, a senior PENGASSAN official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the recall was a positive step but that the union would be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the returning engineers are not subjected to any form of harassment or victimisation. “We are pleased that the workers have been given a second chance, but we must ensure that their rights are fully respected and that they are allowed to work without fear of reprisal,” the official said.
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