Chew Sugarcane, Get Arrested! -Dangote Sugar Firm Warns Workers

A trending internal mail from Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc has stirred conversations across industrial circles, following a stern warning to workers at its Numan operations over the chewing of company sugarcane, an act the firm now classifies as a serious offence.

The circular, dated April 7, 2026, and issued by the Head of Human Resources, Ikechukwu Okorie, did not mince words, declaring the practice a “gross misconduct” that could attract disciplinary action, including arrest and prosecution.

“This is to WARN all staff & workers who engage in chewing Company’s Sugar Cane in the Company/Factory Premises that this act is a gross misconduct and is tantamount to summary disciplinary actions,” the memo read.

In a tone that underscores management’s growing concern, the company stressed that the sugarcane remains a valuable corporate asset and not for personal consumption by employees.

“The Cane is Company’s property with great value/cost attached to it,” the circular stated, warning that any form of unauthorised use amounts to a violation of company rules.

The internal mail further highlighted the environmental and operational implications of the practice, noting that the indiscriminate disposal of chewed cane residue is undermining workplace standards.

“Chewing cane and dropping the chaffs indiscriminately is degrading the company environment and it is messing up our housekeeping efforts,” it added.

Reinforcing its position as a food industry player with strict hygiene expectations, the company insisted that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated under any guise.

“DSR-NUMAN is a food Industry that needs excellent housekeeping. So and littering of chewed cane chaffs is NOT allowed,” the memo emphasised.

In what many observers consider the most striking part of the directive, the firm announced heightened security measures, placing its security apparatus on alert and mandating enforcement.

“In this regard, the Security apparatus is on red alert and has been mandated to arrest any body caught chewing company sugar cane,” the statement warned.

It went further to outline the consequences for defaulters, noting that offenders would not only face internal sanctions but could also be prosecuted.

“The perpetrators will be subjected to disciplinary action and prosecuted accordingly to recover the loss of this very important company asset,” the circular added.

Driving home the seriousness of the directive, the memo concluded with a blunt caution: “BE WARNED FOR THE LAST TIME!!!”

The development has since generated buzz, with many interpreting the strongly worded internal communication as part of broader efforts by the company to tighten discipline, curb wastage and enforce operational standards within its facilities.