The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has disclosed that it has recorded 22 incidents of attempted sabotage since it began operations, asserting that its recent workforce reorganization was a security measure, not related to its dispute with PENGASSAN.
During a guided tour of the facility, Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil & Gas at Dangote Industries, told journalists that each attempt was neutralized, thanks to the refinery’s advanced safety and automation systems.
“We have been under repeated attacks, Now, they are trying to insinuate operational breakdowns. None of that is true,” Edwin said, rejecting claims of operational challenges and supply issues.
The company’s reorganization affected approximately 800 workers, triggering protests from PENGASSAN, which claimed retaliation for union activity.
However, Dangote management maintains the moves were necessary to protect the refinery from sabotage threats.
In statements, the management emphasized that the restructuring had no causal link to the union.
The refinery insists the 22 sabotage events are all documented, with information such as dates and units affected recorded in its control systems.
Dangote says it currently holds over 312 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in storage and continues daily production.
With a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the plant aims to meet Nigeria’s full demand for petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel while exporting nearly half of its output.
Edwin also addressed speculations about supply or operational breakdowns, attributing the recent drop in crude supply to market dynamics, not facility failure.
As part of the media tour, Reno Omokri, former presidential aide, lauded the refinery’s achievements, noting that over 650 ships had been loaded for export in under a year, evidence of its rising global role.
Additionally, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers’ Council, described the refinery as a “revolutionary investment” vital to Nigeria’s energy independence and economic stability.
