By Muhammad Mamman
The dismissal of 800 workers at the Dangote Refinery was reportedly triggered by the creation of a WhatsApp group used to share sensitive company information.
According to insiders, members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) had encouraged refinery staff to join the union, promising protection and support. A WhatsApp group was then set up to circulate membership forms and daily updates on refinery activities.
Management viewed the group as a breach of trust, alleging that confidential operational details were being disclosed. Executives described the activity as disruptive, insisting the information sharing posed a serious threat to operations.
“Reports from the refinery were being shared daily. Management saw it as a serious risk and responded swiftly,” a source revealed.
