Lagos: Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced the recall of engineers who were previously dismissed and reassigned within its business units amid a dispute with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
According to Ghana Web, this decision follows a conditional pardon after internal disciplinary measures were linked to operational disruptions.
In a statement released on Thursday, the refinery clarified that the recall stemmed from an extensive review process and numerous appeals from various stakeholders, including respected individuals and the engineers themselves. The company emphasized that the actions taken earlier were necessary to protect operations and uphold organizational standards, but it now seeks to offer a second chance to the affected staff.
A memo signed by Devakumar Edwin, Group Vice President, Oil and Gas, indicated that all affected personnel would be called for a meeting and subsequently reassigned to their duties at the refinery. This recall extends to those who had not accepted prior redeployment options provided by the company.
The refinery management reiterated its commitment to fairness while underscoring the importance of discipline, professionalism, and adherence to corporate values. It stressed that the decision to recall the engineers reflects its belief in second chances but also serves as a reminder that loyalty and adherence to organizational standards are imperative.
The company issued a stern warning that any future misconduct would result in immediate and decisive action, highlighting its zero-tolerance policy for actions that could undermine operations. Dangote Refinery expects the returning engineers to show renewed dedication as it continues to enhance operational efficiency and maintain its standing as a key player in Nigeria's oil and gas sector.
The recent recall follows an incident in October 2025, where numerous engineers were dismissed for allegedly sabotaging the refinery. Workers, however, claimed they were targeted for joining PENGASSAN. The union had consequently shut down oil and gas facilities, alleging that 800 refinery workers were fired for union membership. This led to national losses in oil and gas production and a decrease in power generation.
The Federal Government's intervention restored order, with the Dangote Group instructed to redeploy the dismissed workers. As reported by The PUNCH, the engineers were reassigned to locations such as Borno, Zamfara, Benue, and other states, with some workers refusing to accept their new positions in different sectors.
The recall of these engineers signifies that peace has been restored within the Dangote refinery, marking a new chapter for the company and its workforce.