In early May 2025, a video surfaced online showing 89 men in Lekki, Lagos, claiming to be workers at the Dangote Refinery. The footage quickly went viral, sparking debates about the refinery’s employment practices and the broader issue of corporate transparency in Nigeria.
The Lagos State Police Command later confirmed that these individuals were indeed employees of the refinery, but the incident highlighted the need for clearer communication and transparency from large corporations regarding their hiring processes.
The Dangote Refinery: A Monumental Project With Monumental Expectations
The Dangote Refinery, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, is one of the most ambitious industrial projects in Africa. With a capacity to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, it aims to meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel demand and reduce reliance on imports.
Meanwhile, the project has been lauded for its potential to generate over 135,000 jobs, including both direct and indirect employment opportunities.
However, the sheer scale of the project has also brought challenges, particularly concerning employment practices and worker welfare.
Employment Practices Under Scrutiny
Reports have emerged highlighting concerns about the treatment of workers at the refinery. An investigation by HumAngle revealed instances of maltreatment, human rights violations, and inadequate safety measures for workers .
Some workers reported being forced to perform tasks outside their job descriptions without proper protective equipment, leading to injuries and, in some cases, termination without due process.
Additionally, there have been allegations of the refinery employing a significant number of expatriate workers while neglecting local talent. The Sub-Saharan African Skills and Apprenticeship Stakeholders Network (SASASNET) explained that the engagement of 11,000 skilled workers from India was due to a lack of adequately skilled local labor.
While the refinery’s management stated that over 30,000 Nigerians were employed during the construction phase , the perception of sidelining local workers persists.
The Importance Of Transparent Hiring Processes
Transparency in hiring is crucial for building trust between corporations and the communities they operate in. Clear communication about job opportunities, hiring criteria, and employment terms can prevent misunderstandings and reduce the spread of misinformation.
In the case of the Dangote Refinery, the lack of transparent communication may have contributed to the viral video incident, where workers felt compelled to publicly assert their employment status.
However, such situations can be avoided if companies proactively share information about their hiring practices and employee welfare policies.
The Role of Regulatory Bodies And Civil Society
Regulatory bodies like the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) have a role to play in ensuring corporate accountability. NEITI has been working with the Dangote Refinery to promote compliance with transparency standards.
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However, more robust oversight and enforcement mechanisms are needed to ensure that companies adhere to fair labor practices.
Furthermore, civil society organizations and the media also have a critical role in highlighting issues related to worker welfare and corporate transparency. Investigative reports and public advocacy can pressure companies to improve their practices and prioritize the well-being of their employees.
A Call For Corporate Accountability
The Dangote Refinery stands as a symbol of industrial ambition and economic potential. However, its success should not come at the expense of worker welfare and community trust.
However, by embracing transparent hiring practices, ensuring fair treatment of employees, and engaging openly with the public, companies can build stronger relationships with the communities they serve and contribute to sustainable development.
As Nigeria continues to pursue large-scale industrial projects, the importance of corporate accountability and transparency cannot be overstated.
It’s time for companies to recognise that their responsibilities extend beyond profit margins to include the people and communities that make their success possible.
