Dangote Refinery has revealed that it has suffered no fewer than 22 incidents of sabotage, which prompted the recent dismissal and redeployment of some workers.

The refinery’s Executive Director, Devakumar Edwin, made this known while addressing the controversy surrounding the sacking of employees, which the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) claimed affected over 800 staff.

Edwin clarified that the reorganisation had nothing to do with union issues, but was instead a safety measure following repeated acts of sabotage that threatened the refinery’s operations and equipment.

“We have been under repeated attacks. At first, they said the refinery would never be completed, then that it wouldn’t be commissioned. Now, false claims about union disputes are being spread,” Edwin said.

He added that advanced safety and monitoring systems at the refinery prevented the sabotage attempts from causing major damage.

“We recorded 22 incidents of sabotage — all documented with dates and details. In some cases, individuals tried to start fires or tamper with valves and instruments. Thankfully, our fire protection and control systems are ultra-modern and were able to stop any serious impact,” he explained.

Edwin noted that the recent restructuring was essential to protect the multi-billion-dollar investment and ensure the refinery’s continued efficiency.

Earlier, PENGASSAN had directed its members to begin a nationwide strike over the dismissals, but later suspended the action on October 1 after the Federal Government intervened. Dangote Group subsequently agreed to redeploy the affected workers to its other subsidiaries.

The refinery, one of the largest in the world, remains central to Nigeria’s energy ambitions and is expected to significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products.