Dangote Refinery Confirms Layoffs Amid Restructuring Efforts
The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest oil facility, has confirmed that it has laid off some
Nigerian workers as part of an ongoing restructuring exercise.
The $20 billion facility, designed to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, was launched
with the promise of creating thousands of jobs and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported
fuel. However, only months into operations, management says it is “realigning” its workforce to
meet operational needs.
Although the company did not disclose the number of affected workers, industry insiders say the
layoffs cut across administrative, technical, and support roles. Analysts suggest the decision
reflects cost-saving measures as the refinery grapples with teething challenges.
The layoffs have sparked anxiety among employees and labor unions, many of whom had hailed
the refinery as a beacon of hope for job creation. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called
on the refinery to clarify its long-term employment strategy and ensure fair severance packages.
“Nigerians saw the refinery as a symbol of hope for jobs and growth. Sudden job cuts raise
serious questions about the company’s commitment to workers,” a labor leader said.
The development also underscores the difficulties confronting Nigeria’s energy sector, from
crude supply shortages to fluctuating exchange rates and rising operating costs.
While industry observers agree that workforce adjustments are common in the early stages of
mega-projects, they caution that continued job losses could erode public confidence in the
refinery’s ability to deliver on its economic promises.
Dangote Group has not issued a detailed public statement beyond confirming the layoffs.
However, experts say the company will need to carefully manage its workforce strategy to
balance efficiency with the expectations of Nigerians who view the refinery as a symbol of
industrial progress. For now, the layoffs mark the first visible sign of turbulence in a project that
had been largely celebrated as a historic national achievement.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
