Dangote Group has disclosed that its flagship petroleum refinery has experienced 22 sabotage attempts since it started operations, citing these incidents as a major factor behind a recent staff restructuring.

Vice President Devakumar Edwin revealed this during a tour of the refinery by Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council. He stressed that the reorganisation, which led to the dismissal of a small number of employees, was unrelated to any dispute with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

Contrary to claims by the union that hundreds of workers were sacked over a labour disagreement, Edwin explained that only a limited number were affected. The action, he said, was necessary to protect the refinery from repeated sabotage attempts that posed safety risks and threatened operational efficiency.

Edwin noted that the refinery’s advanced systems have successfully prevented any major damage during these incidents. “Whenever there’s an attempt to cause harm, the system automatically detects and neutralises it. Every incident has been fully documented,” he said.

He added that affected employees have been redeployed to other subsidiaries within the Dangote Group, underlining the company’s commitment to worker welfare while safeguarding its massive investment.

Edwin emphasised that despite the challenges, the refinery remains focused on maintaining smooth operations and supporting Nigeria’s energy security.