PENGASSAN Shuts Down Dangote Refinery Over Mass Layoffs

Lagos, Nigeria – Sept. 29, 2025 — The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has enforced a full shutdown of operations at the Dangote Refinery, escalating its industrial action over the mass dismissal of union members.

According to an update released by the union on Sunday, its members have shut down all oil installations across the country, including the multibillion-dollar refinery located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos.

PENGASSAN stated that the refinery plant is 100% shut down, while the fertiliser plant’s train two is also fully halted. Train one of the fertiliser plant is reportedly operating at only 60% capacity, and the diesel plant continues to run — for now.

The union said the shutdown has disrupted both crude oil and gas supply to the refinery, though Dangote Refinery has not yet issued a public confirmation of the shutdown.

The dispute stems from the sacking of over 800 workers, which the union claims was in retaliation for their membership in PENGASSAN. In response, the union launched a nationwide industrial action, calling it a fight for workers’ rights and union recognition.

On Saturday, Dangote Refinery described the strike directive as an act of “economic sabotage”, warning that the move threatens energy security and investor confidence.

In a statement on Sunday, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) urged both parties to engage in dialogue and seek a peaceful resolution to avoid further disruption in the nation’s energy sector.

The shutdown of the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery — Africa’s largest — could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s already volatile energy market, as well as its broader economy.