The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has taken a drastic step by terminating the employment of all its staff as part of a major internal restructuring. This bold move comes in response to what the company describes as persistent sabotage that has posed serious threats to the safety and integrity of its massive 650,000 barrels-per-day facility.

In a company-wide memo dated September 24, 2025, and signed by Femi Adekunle, the Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, the organization explained that it had no choice but to reorganize the refinery’s operations. The memo cited “numerous recent incidents” of internal sabotage across various sections of the refinery, which had led to serious safety concerns.

Employees affected by the decision were instructed to return all company assets to their respective supervisors and await proper clearance. The Finance Department is expected to calculate and process their entitlements based on the terms of their employment contracts.

A senior official, speaking anonymously to The Whistler, clarified that the move should not be seen as a traditional mass layoff. Instead, it is being positioned as a targeted security measure to expose internal threats and prevent further damage. According to the source, the term “sack” was intentionally avoided in internal communications, as the company plans to reinstate many of the workers once investigations are complete and the sources of sabotage are identified.

The official emphasized that the decision had to be made swiftly and without prior warning, to prevent those involved in the alleged misconduct from covering their tracks. He also reassured that operations at the refinery have not been halted, as both local and international staff are continuing work to maintain output.

The Dangote Refinery, inaugurated in May 2023, is considered one of Nigeria’s most significant energy projects. This unexpected restructuring highlights some of the serious operational and internal security challenges the refinery faces as it gears up for full-scale commercial production.