Business
Dangote Refinery Reinstates Engineers in Positive Recall Move
Dangote Refinery recalls engineers previously redeployed after dispute with PENGASSAN, offering conditional reinstatement and warning on discipline
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has approved the recall of engineers previously redeployed across its business units following a dispute linked to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
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The company confirmed in a statement on Thursday that the decision followed an internal review and multiple appeals from stakeholders and industry figures.
According to the refinery, the affected engineers had earlier been redeployed as part of disciplinary measures tied to operational disruptions within the facility.
Management described the latest decision as a conditional pardon, allowing the workers to return to their roles after earlier sanctions.
A memo signed by Group Vice President, Oil and Gas, Devakumar Edwin, stated that all affected personnel will be invited for meetings before being reassigned to resume duties at the refinery.
The recall also applies to employees who previously declined redeployment offers made by the company.
The refinery stressed that while it values fairness and second chances, workplace discipline and adherence to corporate standards remain strict requirements.
It warned that any repeat of misconduct would attract immediate sanctions, reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance on actions that could affect operations.
The company added that the decision reflects a balance between organisational discipline and a commitment to rebuilding internal stability.
Dangote Refinery expressed optimism that returning engineers will demonstrate renewed commitment as operations continue to expand.
The development follows months of industrial tension in 2025, when disputes over alleged dismissals triggered nationwide reactions from oil sector unions.
The matter later drew intervention from the Federal Government, leading to earlier redeployment arrangements for affected staff.
Some engineers had previously been assigned to projects in various states, including construction and agricultural facilities, after the initial dispute.
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The latest recall is seen as a step toward restoring stability within the refinery’s workforce structure.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has dismissed allegations that it appropriated the Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit (NDEIS) brand, insisting it lawfully obtained trademark acceptance for the name and will proceed with its 2026 summit as scheduled.
In a statement issued on September 12, 2026, the chamber described claims by Kunle Nwiwa Junior as “cheap blackmail, misleading, mischievous and a misrepresentation of the facts,” maintaining that it independently developed the summit and followed all required regulatory procedures.
According to NDCCITMA, it applied for and received a Trademark Acceptance Letter for the name Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit (NDEIS) in August 2025 under File No. NG/TM/O/2025/387284.
The chamber said the chronology of events contradicts allegations that it copied another party’s application, arguing that its trademark acceptance predated the period during which Nwiwa’s own application was reportedly still pending before the relevant authorities.
“Economic Summit” is a generic expression
NDCCITMA further argued that the phrase “Economic Summit” is a generic description widely used for conferences that bring together governments, investors, businesses, development institutions and other stakeholders to discuss investment and economic development.
The chamber maintained that while concepts may be widely used, legal protection only arises from recognised intellectual property rights, including duly registered trademarks and other enforceable proprietary interests.
It therefore rejected suggestions that any individual or organisation has exclusive ownership of the broader concept of an economic summit.
Court grants interim injunction
Addressing reports that the summit had been halted, NDCCITMA said the dispute is already before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt and that there is no court order restraining the event.
The chamber disclosed that in Suit No. FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026, Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam granted an interim injunction restraining the defendants—Kunle Nwiwa Junior and Keneva Consult Ltd.—from interfering with the planned summit.
According to NDCCITMA, the court also directed the defendants to remove publications, notices, petitions, social media posts and other statements allegedly considered damaging to the chamber’s name, integrity and reputation pending the hearing of its motion for interlocutory injunction.
The matter has been adjourned until September 22, 2026 for further hearing.
Chamber rejects ₦500 million demand claim
NDCCITMA also alleged that it had received a demand from Nwiwa Junior requesting ₦500 million as a condition for abandoning his claims over the summit.
The chamber said the demand was rejected, adding that it subsequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what it described as repeated harassment and threats directed at its officials.
It said the petition sought police intervention, including inviting the complainant for questioning and caution where necessary.
Summit opens September 15
Despite the legal dispute, NDCCITMA reaffirmed that the 2026 Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit will hold from September 15 to 17, 2026, at the Obi Wali Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The summit will be held under the theme “Driving Investment, Innovation & Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta” and is expected to bring together policymakers, investors, business leaders, development partners and industry stakeholders to discuss economic transformation across the region.
The chamber said it remains committed to promoting commerce, industry, trade, mining, agriculture and sustainable economic development throughout the Niger Delta while allowing the courts to determine all outstanding legal issues.
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