Business
Dangote Refinery: Disengaged engineers reject redeployment
Dangote Refinery: Disengaged engineers reject redeployment
Several engineers recently disengaged by Dangote Refinery for allegedly joining the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have expressed outrage over plans to redeploy them to other Dangote Group units, including the sugar and cement plants.
According to The PUNCH, some of the affected workers, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue, accused the company of victimising them for exercising their right to unionise.
However, the Dangote media team denied the allegations on Wednesday, insisting that “there are PENGASSAN members still working in the refinery.”
PENGASSAN had last week shut down oil and gas facilities between Sunday and Tuesday, alleging that 800 refinery workers were fired for volunteering to join the union.
But the Dangote Refinery dismissed the claim, stating that only “a few workers who were sabotaging the facility” were let go as part of a reorganisation process.
The strike by oil and gas workers led to disruptions in production, losses in the petroleum sector, and a drop in power generation. The intervention of the Federal Government eventually restored calm, with the Dangote Group directed to redeploy the affected workers.
Speaking with The PUNCH, the engineers said they had yet to be recalled or redeployed as of Tuesday.
Sources within the Dangote Group confirmed that the company was preparing to redeploy the engineers to its sugar and cement divisions and recruit new engineers to fill the refinery positions a move considered by insiders to be a major operational loss.
It was also gathered that some of the 800 affected workers might be posted to Dangote operations outside Nigeria.
But the engineers rejected the plan, arguing that their employment letters clearly stated that they were hired by the refinery and not the Dangote Group. They described the proposed redeployment as “unfair,” saying it was inappropriate to transfer petrochemical engineers to other industries.
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“It is victimisation. How will you redeploy us from the refinery to sugar or cement plants? It is not fair. Most of us weren’t employed by the Dangote Group; we were employed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals. If we were employed by the Dangote Group, we would know that we could be redeployed from one unit to another. This is like victimising us. Some of us are petrochemical engineers; how do you want them to cope? It is affecting some of us psychologically,” they said.
The engineers disclosed that they had been at home since September 25 after receiving letters to stay away from work. They said their attempts to access the refinery were blocked by security agents.
“Currently we are at home; we are not allowed to go into the refinery. The management said they would get back to us as far as the redeployments are done, but we have not heard anything so far. There were times when we tried to enter the refinery, but we were sent back. There are pictures of those incidents,” they said.
They further alleged that Indian nationals were currently the only ones operating the refinery.
“At the moment, only Indians are running the refinery. All Nigerian engineers were sacked because we joined PENGASSAN,“ they alleged.
The refinery had earlier refuted this claim, saying, “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 engineers also said their decision to join PENGASSAN stemmed from poor remuneration, revealing that their monthly pay was about ₦400,000 before deductions.
“We wouldn’t have joined PENGASSAN if we were well paid. Our salary is around ₦400,000, and after deductions, it falls below that.
“We didn’t plan to join PENGASSAN; the management announced it themselves that workers were free to unionise. We joined PENGASSAN, and it became an issue,” they said.
They dismissed the allegation of sabotage, insisting that they were loyal to the success of the $20 billion refinery project.
“We cannot sabotage the refinery. We love the refinery. Some of us built it from the beginning. How can we sabotage what we built? It is not possible. We’ve been very committed, and we were doing everything to ensure the success of the plant for the good of all Nigerians.
“As it is, we are all waiting for our posting letters. There’s nothing we can do now because the issue has become a national issue. The presidency is now involved. But we are not guilty of anything. Our only ‘crime’ is that we joined PENGASSAN,” they said.
The Dangote Group has again denied the allegations made by the affected engineers, insisting they were dismissed for acts of sabotage and not for joining PENGASSAN.
A senior official of the company said, “Those guys were sacked because of their acts of sabotage. Nobody is victimising them. Their September salary has been paid. Can we call that victimisation? They were not sacked for joining PENGASSAN. We have PENGASSAN members still working with us.
“They should also know that all of us in Dangote can be moved to anywhere within the company. You can be moved from cement to refinery, sugar, salt or fertiliser. That is the business. Many of us have been moved in the past,” the official said.
He also dismissed claims that engineers earned below ₦400,000 monthly, calling it “an outright falsehood.”
“The claim of a ₦400,000 monthly salary is an outright falsehood; it is far more than that,” he emphasised.
The Dangote Refinery has faced multiple labour and industry disputes in recent weeks.
It first came under fire from the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), who accused the refinery of “monopolistic practices and unfair pricing” after slashing petrol prices.
NUPENG also clashed with the refinery over workers’ rights, alleging that Dangote prevented tanker drivers from joining unions. The association subsequently shut down the refinery and fuel depots despite a government-brokered truce.
The situation worsened when PENGASSAN joined the fray, condemning the alleged mass dismissal of hundreds of workers. The union ordered members to halt crude and gas supplies nationwide, triggering fuel shortages and production losses.
Although government intervention calmed the crisis, stakeholders are awaiting the full implementation of the resolutions reached during the conciliation meeting.
Dangote Refinery: Disengaged engineers reject redeployment
(Punch)
Business
NCC Orders MTN, Other Telcos to Compensate Subscribers for Poor Network Service
NCC Orders MTN, Other Telcos to Compensate Subscribers for Poor Network Service
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed major mobile network operators (MNOs), including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, to compensate subscribers affected by poor network quality in areas where performance falls below regulatory standards. The move is part of a broader shift toward a consumer-focused approach aimed at protecting users and strengthening accountability in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
In a statement on Sunday, Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs at the NCC, emphasized that subscribers should not bear the full burden of service disruptions caused by operators’ failure to meet prescribed benchmarks. She explained that compensation will be provided in the form of airtime credits, calculated based on subscribers’ average spending patterns and the duration of service outages in affected areas.
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“Erring operators will compensate affected users directly for breaches of quality of service key performance indicators within specified time frames,” Ukoha said. She added that while regulatory fines have traditionally served as a deterrent against poor service delivery, the commission is now adopting a more consumer-centric approach that ensures users directly benefit from enforcement actions.
Under the directive, tower companies and network providers are also required to reinvest fines and penalties into infrastructure upgrades, aimed at addressing coverage gaps and improving overall network quality. Subscribers are encouraged to report service interruptions to their operators and the NCC to ensure timely compensation.
Industry observers have welcomed the move, describing it as a significant step toward empowering telecom users, improving quality of service (QoS), and holding operators accountable for network performance failures. The NCC will monitor compliance closely and take further action against any operators that fail to meet the compensation and service standards.
NCC Orders MTN, Other Telcos to Compensate Subscribers for Poor Network Service
Auto
Motoring World marks 30 years, set to rally industry leaders in Lagos
Motoring World marks 30 years, set to rally industry leaders in Lagos
Motoring World, one of Nigeria’s foremost automotive publications, will celebrate its 30th anniversary on June 4, 2026, with a high-profile event at the MUSON Centre.
The milestone gathering is expected to draw policymakers, industry leaders, diplomats and innovators to commemorate three decades of impactful journalism, advocacy and contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s automotive sector.
Founded on June 12, 1996, as a syndicated radio magazine programme, Motoring World pioneered automotive broadcasting in Nigeria before expanding into print in 1998. It has since evolved into a multi-platform brand at the forefront of promoting industry development, modernization and policy reform.
Over the years, the publication has gone beyond news reporting to play an active role in shaping regulatory frameworks, encouraging local content development and promoting industry standards.
Publisher and Chief Executive Officer, Femi Owoeye, said the organisation was driven by a clear vision from inception.
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“Motoring World started with a simple vision: to give voice and structure to Nigeria’s automotive industry. Over the years, we have gone beyond reporting to actively advocate policies that support industry growth, local production and a more structured ecosystem,” he said.
Activities lined up for the anniversary include the unveiling of a special 30th anniversary edition of Motoring World magazine, chronicling the evolution, milestones and future of the industry. Distinguished stakeholders with three decades of contributions to the sector will also be honoured.
A keynote lecture titled, “Reporting the Road Ahead: Automotive Journalism as a Catalyst for Nigeria’s Auto Industry Development,” will underscore the critical role of the media in shaping the nation’s automotive landscape.
Dignitaries expected at the event include the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin; state governors, transport commissioners and members of the diplomatic corps.
Owoeye noted that the anniversary represents more than a celebration.
“This is a tribute to resilience, strong partnerships and the collective drive that has sustained the industry. As we honour key players and reflect on our journey, we are also setting the tone for the next phase of mobility in Nigeria,” he added.
The event promises a blend of reflection, recognition and renewed commitment to advancing Nigeria’s automotive industry.
Motoring World marks 30 years, set to rally industry leaders in Lagos
Auto
Hyundai unveils flagship SUV Palisade, rolls out strong line-up in Lagos showcase
Hyundai unveils flagship SUV Palisade, rolls out strong line-up in Lagos showcase
Hyundai Nigeria has unveiled the all-new Hyundai Palisade in Lagos, headlining a media showcase that also featured the Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Creta, Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Santa Fe, as the automaker intensifies its push across key segments of the Nigerian market.
The event, held at the company’s Victoria Island showroom, offered journalists a first-hand view of Hyundai’s expanding portfolio, ranging from entry-level sedans to premium three-row SUVs.
Taking centre stage was the debut of the Palisade, Hyundai’s flagship SUV, positioned to strengthen the brand’s foothold in the premium segment.
With its bold exterior styling, spacious three-row layout, upscale interior and advanced safety and convenience features, the model is targeted at families and executive buyers seeking comfort, space and strong road presence.
Across the line-up, Hyundai showcased a broad spectrum of offerings. The Santa Fe reinforces its appeal as a refined, family-oriented SUV with generous cabin space and premium detailing, while the Tucson stands out for its blend of modern design, practicality and everyday versatility.
In the compact SUV category, the Creta was highlighted for its mix of style, efficiency and urban functionality, while the Accent sedan retains its positioning as a practical and cost-effective option for young professionals, fleet operators and first-time buyers.
Speaking at the event, Brand Head, Hyundai Nigeria, Gaurav Vashisht, said the launch underscores the company’s commitment to deepening its footprint in Nigeria with globally competitive products adapted to local needs.
“This introduction of the all-new Palisade strengthens our premium SUV offering while complementing a well-rounded line-up that delivers on design, safety, innovation and everyday usability,” he said.
The showcase also provided an avenue for media interaction with Hyundai executives and product specialists, alongside detailed vehicle walkarounds covering design, technology and safety features.
Hyundai Nigeria reaffirmed its focus on delivering globally benchmarked vehicles with strong local relevance, even as competition intensifies in Nigeria’s evolving passenger vehicle market.
The event also marked the launch of Hyundai’s Easter campaign, offering customers value-added benefits such as complimentary delivery, accessories, registration and service packages.
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