Dangote Sugar Refinery has issued a final warning to staff at its Numan operations in Adamawa State, prohibiting the chewing of company sugar cane on factory premises and threatening disciplinary action, including arrest and prosecution, for offenders.

In an internal circular dated April 7, 2026 and signed by the head of human resources, Ikechukwu Okorie, the company described the practice as “gross misconduct” liable to summary disciplinary measures.

The memo, addressed to all staff, stated that sugar cane is company property with significant value and that indiscriminate chewing and littering of chaffs degrade the work environment and undermine housekeeping standards in a food processing facility.

“The cane is a company's property with great value/cost attached to it,” the circular stated. It added that the Numan operation, as part of a food industry process, requires “excellent housekeeping,” and that littering with chewed cane chaffs is not permitted.

Security personnel have been placed on alert and directed to arrest any staff found chewing the cane, with offenders facing disciplinary action and possible prosecution to recover losses, according to the memo. It concluded with the warning: “BE WARNED FOR THE LAST TIME!!!”

The directive has circulated widely on social media since Tuesday, drawing reactions from users.

Dangote Sugar’s Numan site is part of the company’s backward integration programme aimed at increasing domestic sugar production through large-scale cultivation and processing.

The circular comes as the company advances expansion plans. Dangote Sugar recently announced a proposed 500 billion naira rights issue to reduce debt, strengthen its balance sheet and fund projects, including upgrades at Numan and new developments in Nasarawa and Taraba states. The proposal is expected to be considered at the company’s annual general meeting.

No official comment has been issued by the company on the circulation of the memo. (The Guardian)