A Sudden Change of a Major Oil Player In a surprising move that has stunned the Nigerian oil and gas sector, Dangote Refinery - the country...
A Sudden Change of a Major Oil Player
In a surprising move that has stunned the Nigerian oil and gas sector, Dangote Refinery - the country's largest refining complex - has announced that it will be reopening its doors to former applicants for a series of "job screening hours" following the dismissal of more than 800 employees. The decision is part of an ongoing restructuring initiative to improve operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness at the refinery, which has long been a key component of Nigeria's domestic petroleum supply chain.
Why the Layoffs?
Dangote Refinery, which is a joint-venture between the Dangote Group and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), started operating in 2019 and was expected to eliminate a significant part of the country's crude oil imports. However, the refinery has had difficulty meeting production targets, citing difficulties such as:
- **Equipment and technology deficits** - aging equipment that has had to undergo frequent repairs
- **Supply chain disruptions** - erratic feedstock delivery and logistics bottlenecks.
- **Skill mismatch** - a mismatch between the skillset of the workforce and the technical requirements of the refinery.
In February, the company announced a plan to lay off 800 workers across its production, maintenance and administrative divisions. The purpose of the layoffs was to cut back on excess staff numbers, to save on payroll expenses and to restructure the organization around a leaner and more productive core.
The Call for Old Applicants
In a statement released on Thursday to the Associated Press, Dangote Refinery's HR manager, Mr. Nnamdi Okafor, said the company was encouraging "previously interviewed or applied candidates to attend scheduled job screening hours."
> "We understand that some of the layoffs were inevitable but we also understand that many qualified people were excluded from the hiring cycle." "To give them an opportunity to re-enter our workforce we are opening up a series of screening hours," Okafor explained.
The screening hours will be conducted on the site of the refinery in Lagos State with a special slot reserved for the individuals who were on the "shortlist" before the layoffs. Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of revised job requirements, operational priorities and the strategic needs of the refinery.
What This Means to Job Seekers
1. **Re-entry Opportunity** - Previous applicants who were previously considered will have priority for screening, which in turn could mean a speedier path to employment.
2. **Updated Skill Requirements** - The refinery is now seeking candidates with advanced technical skills, specifically in the areas of process automation, digital maintenance and safety compliance.
3. **Job Security** - Although the restructuring of the company is meant to stabilize operations, the job market is not certain. Candidates are advised to be flexible and open to part time or contract positions.
The Nigerian Ministry of Labour has called on companies to be transparent about new hiring criteria and honour any contractual obligations made to workers before the layoffs.
Industry Reactions
- **NNPC's Deputy Director General, Dr. Chikwe Ekwueme** said the refinery's approach "is a step in the right direction" but called for a "well structured plan" to maintain human capital.
- **Oil and Gas Analyst, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwosu** stressed the importance of training and upskilling. "The refinery needs to invest in technology, as well as people, to continue to put out products and, in turn, jobs in the long run," he said.
- **Labor union leaders** have had mixed feelings. While some people welcome the opportunity for laid off people to rejoin the workforce, others condemn the company's heavy-handed layoffs and demand better social safety nets.
What’s Next?
The HR team of the refinery will post an elaborate schedule for the screening hours in the next few days. Candidates are encouraged to bring new CVs, certifications and relevant documentation. A new online portal will be launched for pre-registration in order to make the process smooth and efficient.
Dangote Refinery initiative to re-open its doors to former applicants: it is a rare instance of a large industrial player trying to find a balance between operational efficiency and social responsibility. Whether this strategy will be successful in restoring productivity and job stability remains to be seen. For now, the spotlight is on the refinery's ability to revamp its workforce in a way that does not impact quality and safety.
**Follow the story** for live updates and expert commentary as Dangote Refinery goes through its restructuring and hiring phases.