DANGOTE REFINERY REDEPLOYS SACKED ENGINEERS TO BORNO, ZAMFARA AMID PENGASSAN DISPUTE

The management of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has redeployed several Nigerian engineers affected by the recent mass dismissal to other subsidiaries of the Dangote Group, including its cement, sugar, and agricultural operations, as tensions with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) persist.

This development follows the refinery’s controversial decision in late September to terminate the appointments of hundreds of staff members, many of whom were alleged to have recently joined PENGASSAN. The move sparked nationwide outrage and prompted the union to accuse the company of targeting workers for union activities.

According to reports, the refinery’s management said the redeployment was part of a broader restructuring process aimed at maintaining operational efficiency. The affected engineers are expected to take up new roles across the group’s diverse business portfolio, with some reportedly being posted to northern states such as Borno and Zamfara.

A company insider was quoted as saying the redeployment was designed to ensure the engineers remained employed within the Group while refinery operations continued uninterrupted. However, several of the affected workers have rejected the transfers, describing them as “unfair” and “a form of forced relocation.”

One of the engineers, who spoke anonymously, questioned the practicality of the move, saying: “How do you expect a petrochemical engineer to work effectively in a sugar or cement plant? It doesn’t align with our training or job description.”

READ ALSO:

FG BACKS DANGOTE REFINERY’S EXPANSION TO 1.4 MILLION BARRELS PER DAY

PENGASSAN had earlier accused the Dangote Refinery of replacing dismissed Nigerian engineers with expatriates, alleging discrimination and union suppression. The union had declared a nationwide strike earlier in October to protest the mass sacking before suspending the action following government intervention and assurances of negotiation.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Labour and Employment, has since waded into the matter, mediating discussions between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Group to resolve the lingering industrial dispute.

Industry observers warn that unresolved labour issues at the $20 billion refinery could affect its stability and operations as it ramps up output and supply of refined petroleum products to the domestic market.

While the redeployment appears to offer a temporary solution, labour analysts say the underlying issues of workers’ rights, union freedom, and fair employment practices remain unresolved.

More details are expected as discussions between the refinery and the union continue.