Reps Panel Faults PENGASSAN over Directive to Halt Dangote Refinery Supply

The House of Representatives Committee on Downstream Petroleum Resources has faulted the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) for directing some of its members to cut crude oil and gas supply to Dangote Refinery as part of its ongoing strike.

Committee Chairman, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, told journalists in Lagos that the union’s order was issued “without notice or adherence to procedures outlined in labour laws,” warning that such actions could undermine investor confidence and destabilise the downstream petroleum sector.

“The supply cut will unsettle the downstream market and frighten foreign investors who will conclude that due process does not matter in resolving disputes in this industry,” Ugochinyere said. He urged the union to suspend the directive immediately and return to negotiations, assuring that the committee is ready to preside over talks involving regulators, the labour ministry, and Dangote Refinery to find a sustainable resolution.

To this end, Ugochinyere announced that a downstream stability roundtable had been convened with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), PENGASSAN, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and members of the House.

He also named Hon. Akin Rotimi as chair of a newly formed sub-committee tasked with harmonising positions on contentious issues. Other members include Hon. Midala Usman, Hon. Billy Osawaru, and Hon. Mathew Nwaogu. The panel has been given 14 days to submit recommendations on matters such as workers’ rights to unionise, allegations of retrenchment, and the extent of private companies’ powers to manage operations.

All parties—NUPENG, PENGASSAN, and Dangote Refinery—have been asked to submit detailed reports on the disputes to aid the House in crafting solutions.

While acknowledging that workers’ grievances deserve attention, Ugochinyere stressed that industrial action must not jeopardise national energy security.

“This directive is premature and carries damaging ripple effects on Nigeria’s energy supply and critical private investment. We are calling for its immediate suspension,” he declared.