The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has firmly debunked widespread reports suggesting that the company is embarking on mass staff layoffs, clarifying instead that what is currently taking place is a strategic reorganization aimed at optimizing operations as the facility moves closer to full-scale production.
In an official statement made available the refinery’s leadership described the reports of widespread job cuts as “misleading” and “inaccurate,” stressing that the company remains committed to retaining and developing its workforce. According to the management, the internal restructuring is a standard business practice, particularly for a project of such magnitude transitioning from the construction phase into full operational mode.
The refinery, which is located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos and touted as Africa’s largest privately-owned refinery, has been a focal point of national economic expectations. With a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the facility is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products, conserve foreign exchange, and stabilise domestic fuel supply in the long term.
Addressing the recent speculation, a senior company official who spoke under the condition of anonymity explained that while some contract roles linked to the construction and commissioning phases may have naturally wound down, this does not equate to mass layoffs. Instead, the company is in the process of transitioning to an operations-focused workforce, with new roles emerging in engineering, refining, quality control, logistics, and compliance.
“This is a necessary phase in the evolution of a refinery of this scale. As we move into steady-state operations, adjustments are expected. It’s about aligning the workforce with our current needs and long-term objectives,” the source stated.
Industry experts have weighed in on the matter, noting that operational restructuring is commonplace in the oil and gas sector, especially when major infrastructure projects shift from development to production. They argue that such transitions should not be misinterpreted as downsizing but rather as recalibration.
In recent months, Dangote Refinery has begun supplying products such as diesel and aviation fuel to the local market, with plans underway to commence premium motor spirit (PMS) production before the end of the year. This operational milestone has been widely hailed as a critical turning point in Nigeria’s quest for energy independence, given the country’s long history of importing refined fuel despite being a major crude oil producer.
With the refinery gradually ramping up production, the company says it is focused on efficiency, safety, and long-term sustainability, assuring stakeholders that the reorganisation is in the best interest of both the business and its workforce.
