Tension is brewing at the multi-billion-dollar Dangote Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, as a fresh wave of staff redeployments has sparked discontent among engineers and technical workers.
Sources within the refinery told The Guardian that several senior and mid-level engineers were abruptly reassigned to different departments and units last week without prior consultation or clear explanations. The move, reportedly ordered by top management, has generated widespread dissatisfaction among affected employees, some of whom are threatening to down tools if the decision is not reviewed.
According to insiders, the redeployment exercise affected more than 150 personnel across the mechanical, process, and instrumentation departments. Many claim the reshuffle disrupted ongoing projects and created confusion in critical operational areas.
One senior engineer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the move as “ill-timed and counterproductive.”
We were in the middle of key system tests and calibrations when the redeployment memo came. Some of us were moved to unrelated departments where our expertise is not needed. It’s demoralizing.”
Another staff member alleged that the redeployment was influenced by “internal politics and favoritism” rather than performance or project needs.
Those close to certain managers were retained, while others were moved without justification,” the staff claimed.
Management, however, has defended the exercise, saying it is part of an ongoing restructuring aimed at optimizing operations and ensuring efficiency as the refinery prepares to ramp up full production capacity.
In a brief statement issued on Wednesday, the refinery’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Anthony Chukwuma, said the redeployment was a “normal operational adjustment.”
As we move toward stabilizing output and improving productivity, it is essential to align personnel with evolving technical and managerial requirements. No staff has been unfairly treated,” the statement read.
But union representatives have rejected the explanation, insisting that management should have engaged workers before implementing such sweeping changes. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has reportedly scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss the grievances and may call for industrial action if the issue is not resolved amicably.
Observers say the dispute could pose a setback for Africa’s largest refinery, which only recently began refining at partial capacity after years of construction delays and regulatory hurdles.
As negotiations between management and the engineers’ representatives continue, production activities at the refinery are said to be ongoing but at a slower pace, with some sections operating below optimal levels.
