152
By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has warned against the ongoing industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), describing its directive to halt gas and crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery as “hasty” and potentially harmful to Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector and overall investment climate.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Saturday, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, appealed to PENGASSAN to immediately suspend the action and embrace dialogue as a path to resolution.
“We understand the concerns of the union, but we cannot support a shutdown directive that bypasses established procedures,” Ugochinyere said. “This action, taken without due notice or exhausting lawful channels, is hasty and risks inflicting economic damage, destabilising our downstream sector, and sending the wrong signal to both local and foreign investors.”
He warned that the ripple effects of such industrial disruption in a critical national asset like the Dangote Refinery could derail the country’s energy security efforts and discourage private sector confidence.
“This is not just about Dangote. It’s about our energy security, our investment climate, and our credibility as a country governed by the rule of law,” he stated. “Foreign investors are watching. And what they want to see is that Nigeria respects due process and has a functioning conflict-resolution framework.”
To address the dispute holistically, Ugochinyere announced that the Committee is convening a Downstream Stability Roundtable to foster transparent dialogue between all parties.
“We are creating a platform where all grievances can be heard and addressed constructively. PENGASSAN, NUPENG, the NMDPRA, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and Dangote Refinery will all be at the table,” he said. “We will facilitate this roundtable with the goal of achieving a lasting and balanced solution.”
As part of its intervention, the Committee has constituted a sub-committee to probe and mediate the dispute. The sub-committee, chaired by Hon. Akin Rotimi, includes Hon. Midala Usman, Hon. Billy Osawaru, and Hon. Mathew Nwaogu.
Ugochinyere explained that the sub-committee has been given a 14-day mandate to investigate the root causes of the industrial action and propose solutions.
“We are taking this seriously,” he said. “The sub-committee will be looking into all contentious issues, allegations of forced unionisation, claims of unfair retrenchment, the operational rights of private enterprises, and the broader labour relationship between the refinery and the unions.”
He urged all parties involved to submit written documentation of their positions and grievances to enable an informed and evidence-based resolution process.
“We call on PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and Dangote Refinery to submit full briefs to the committee. We want to be guided by facts and not assumptions,” he said. “This will ensure the outcome is credible and acceptable to all.”
While acknowledging that workers’ rights are fundamental and must be protected, Ugochinyere stressed that the law also requires adherence to due process.
“We are not against the right to protest or to demand better conditions. But labour disputes must be resolved through legal and institutional frameworks,” he said. “Industrial actions that short-circuit these frameworks risk undermining everything we’re building, a stable, investor-friendly, and economically secure downstream sector.”
He further encouraged the union to adopt recognised mechanisms such as negotiation, formal dialogue, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), in line with labour laws and global best practices.
“We are urging PENGASSAN and other concerned parties to return to the negotiating table. Let’s talk, not fight,” he added. “Nigeria cannot afford instability in a sector so central to our economy and future.”
Reiterating the Committee’s readiness to ensure a fair and lasting resolution, Ugochinyere concluded with a firm call to action.
“Our job as lawmakers is to ensure stability, fairness, and progress,” he said. “We appeal to all sides: step back from confrontation and step into conversation. That is how we build the kind of petroleum sector that works for everyone, workers, investors, the government, and the Nigerian people.”