The Management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery says that in spite of the reduction in its workforce, more than 3,000 Nigerians still work at the refinery.
The management stated in a statement released on Friday in Lagos that more than 3,000 Nigerians are still working at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery despite an ongoing reorganisation process aimed at strengthening operations and addressing repeated acts of sabotage.
The management noted that only a very small number of the workers were affected by the workforce downsizing exercise, stressing that the refinery remains committed to expanding opportunities for talent through graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire recruitment.
“Over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in our Petroleum Refinery, at present. Only a very small number of staff were affected, as we continue to recruit Nigerian talent through our various graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire recruitment process,” the statement said.
The company said the reorganisation had become necessary, following intermittent cases of sabotage within the facility, which created safety risks and disrupted operations.
“The foregoing decision was taken in the best interest of the Refinery as result of intermittent cases of sabotage in the various units of the Refinery with dire consequences on human life and related safety concerns. We remain vigilant to our internal systems and vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term stability of this strategic national asset. It is imperative to protect the refinery for the benefit of Nigerians, our partners across Africa, and the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on it,” the statement said..
Reassuring employees and stakeholders, the refinery reaffirmed its commitment to internationally accepted labour principles, including workers’ freedom to decide on union membership without interference.
According to the statement, the exercise is an audit process to safeguard the long-term stability of what it described as a strategic national asset.
It added that the refinery will continue working in partnership with the regulators, employees and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety, transparency and accountability.
GIK/APA