Dangote Refinery Launches Major Reorganisation Amid Sabotage, Safety Concerns

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has announced a sweeping organisational shake-up following reported sabotage incidents that raised significant safety concerns at its 650,000 barrels-per-day plant.

In a letter dated September 24, 2025, signed by Femi Adekunle, Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, the refinery’s management said repeated sabotage within several units of the multi-billion-dollar facility had forced its hand.

“In view of the many recent cases of reported sabotage in different units of the Petroleum Refinery leading to major safety concerns, the Management is constrained to carry out a total re-organisation of the plant,” the memo read.

As part of the restructuring, several employees were informed that their services were no longer required, effective September 25, 2025. Affected workers were instructed to return all company property to their line managers, while final entitlements and severance packages will be processed by the Finance Department in line with individual contracts.

The shake-up affects both Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE and Dangote Industries Free Zone Development Company. The memo concluded by thanking outgoing staff for their service and contributions to the company.

The development marks one of the most dramatic HR decisions since the refinery began operations. Industry analysts note that the move underscores both the operational challenges facing the $20 billion mega-refinery and management’s determination to maintain high safety standards as the facility scales up to full capacity.