Dangote Allegedly Offers 5 Years’ Salaries to Sacked Workers Without Working

The tension between Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has finally been settled after days of heated drama. 

The dispute began when the refinery dismissed several workers, sparking protests from the union. What shocked many was the refinery’s unusual proposal — to pay the affected employees their full salaries for five years without work.

According to insiders, Dangote Refinery made this offer out of fear of internal sabotage. By keeping the dismissed workers at home but still on payroll, the company hoped to avoid any disruptions or threats to its multibillion-dollar project. 

A source explained that the refinery believed this was a safer option than risking sabotage from disgruntled staff.

However, PENGASSAN rejected the proposal. The union argued that instead of keeping workers idle, they should be reassigned to other parts of the Dangote Group.

 The disagreement quickly escalated into a major labour crisis, with PENGASSAN calling for a nationwide strike and ordering members to block gas supplies to the refinery.

The union accused the refinery of anti-labour practices, alleging that Nigerian staff were unfairly targeted while foreign workers were retained. Dangote Refinery, on its part, maintained that the dismissals were due to repeated sabotage and safety concerns, stressing that the decision was not random but necessary to protect operations.

As the standoff worsened, the federal government stepped in to mediate. PENGASSAN agreed to suspend its planned industrial action after several rounds of negotiation. By October 1, both parties had reached a resolution.

 Dangote Refinery agreed to reassign the affected workers to other roles within the company, with no loss of pay and no retaliation against those involved in the protest.

Speaking after the deal, PENGASSAN General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa explained that negotiations are about compromise and that the final agreement mattered more than the rejected options.

 The settlement brought relief to Nigerians who had feared a nationwide shutdown of gas and refinery operations.

The episode highlights the fragile balance between industrial peace, workers’ rights, and the security of Nigeria’s largest private refinery. 

It also shows the extraordinary lengths companies like Dangote are willing to go to protect their investments, even if it means offering years of pay without work.