We Were Facing Sabotage: Dangote Opens Up on Massive Workers Layoff

The Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, has opened up on the reason for the recent reorganisation in the company’s internal structure.

Naija News reports that the company came under heavy scrutiny after Labour groups raised concerns over the alleged sacking of over 800 workers.

However, speaking on Friday during a media briefing at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, Edwin explained that the recent reorganisation was triggered by 22 sabotage attempts aimed at disrupting operations

He stated that protecting the integrity and long-term viability of Africa’s largest refinery project remained a top priority, and that all decisions were made to ensure the company’s safety

Edwin maintained that the decision to restructure had no connection to labour union pressures or actions, particularly from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

He said, “They said we have an issue with PENGASSAN; it is totally false news. When we had a meeting with the minister and security agents, I made it clear that we don’t have any issue with PENGASSAN. We started facing incidents of sabotage. We have 22 incidents of sabotage. You all must have seen fire incidents in some refineries.

“There were attempted fire incidents. We have the dates, the unit where it was done, and when it was done. All are documented with us. Because we went to the master control room, you know that all the data is completely captured there. And in the same way, they are trying to bring down the equipment.

“Fortunately for us, by the grace of God, it’s a very ultra-modern refinery. So, when somebody starts a fire somewhere, the fire protection system is so good, it is immediately controlled.”