The House of Representatives Committee on Downstream Petroleum Resources has expressed strong disapproval of the ongoing strike initiated by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), particularly their directive to certain branches to halt gas and crude oil deliveries to Dangote Refinery.
The committee criticized PENGASSAN’s move as abrupt and lacking adherence to the procedural requirements outlined in the relevant trade union legislation. They urged the union to rescind the shutdown order and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the dispute.
Tasked with legislative oversight of the downstream petroleum sector, the committee highlighted the potential economic repercussions of the strike, warning that it could undermine efforts to attract investment and develop a robust downstream industry that benefits workers, the Nigerian populace, energy security, and fosters a competitive market environment.
Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, chairman of the committee, spoke at a press conference in Lagos, emphasizing that the industrial action, which includes the directive to cut supplies to the indigenous Dangote Refinery, threatens sector stability and risks deterring investors due to the premature nature of the decision without exhausting all grievance resolution channels.
“Such abrupt actions risk alienating foreign investors who expect due process in addressing sectoral disputes. It is imperative that the union returns to negotiations, facilitated by the downstream committee alongside regulators, the Ministry of Labour, and Dangote Refinery representatives, to forge a sustainable resolution,” Ugochinyere stated.
He further appealed to PENGASSAN to cease the strike immediately, restore the supply chain to Dangote Refinery, and allow legislative intervention for the nation’s benefit.
The committee has initiated contact with key stakeholders to convene a downstream stability roundtable. This forum will include the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), PENGASSAN, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and lawmakers, aiming to address the root causes of the shutdown order.
Additionally, Hon. Akin Rotimi has been appointed as chairman of a sub-committee, with members Hon. Midala Usman, Hon. Billy Osawaru, and Hon. Mathew Nwaogu, tasked with reconciling differing positions on critical issues such as workers’ rights to union membership, alleged retrenchment concerns, and the operational autonomy of private companies like Dangote Refinery. These matters are central to the ongoing disputes involving NUPENG, PENGASSAN, and other labor groups.
The committee has set a 14-day deadline for the sub-committee to complete its review. All involved parties, including NUPENG, PENGASSAN, and Dangote Refinery, have been requested to provide comprehensive documentation on the contentious issues to enable the committee to propose an informed and effective resolution.
Ugochinyere reiterated the importance of ending the strike and encouraged the aggrieved workers to adopt peaceful dispute resolution mechanisms such as negotiation, dialogue, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), which are widely recognized under labor laws globally.
“While the committee acknowledges the legitimate concerns raised by PENGASSAN, it cannot condone the abrupt cessation of gas supplies to Dangote Refinery without prior notice. This action is precipitous and threatens to disrupt Nigeria’s energy supply, jeopardize private sector investments, and destabilize the ongoing efforts to maintain peace within the sector. Therefore, we call for the immediate withdrawal of the shutdown directive,” he concluded.
