Gas supply cut to Dangote refinery sparks reps’ intervention

The House of Representatives Committee on Downstream Petroleum Resources has criticised the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) for stopping gas and crude oil supply to Dangote Refinery during its strike.

Committee chairman Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere said the union acted too quickly without following the proper labour laws.

He warned that such actions could discourage investors and harm Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

“This kind of decision will scare away foreign investors because it shows that due process is not followed,” Ugochinyere said.

He called on PENGASSAN to return to negotiations with lawmakers, regulators, the labour ministry, and Dangote Refinery to find a lasting solution.The committee asked PENGASSAN to suspend its directive immediately. Ugochinyere announced that a special “downstream stability roundtable” will be held with NUPENG, PENGASSAN, regulators, and legislators.

A sub-committee has also been set up, led by Hon. Akin Rotimi with Hon. Midala Usman, Hon. Billy Osawaru, and Hon. Mathew Nwaogu as members.

They will look into issues such as workers’ rights to join unions, claims of retrenchment, and the powers of private companies to manage their businesses. The sub-committee has two weeks to submit its report.

Ugochinyere stressed that while workers’ concerns are valid, actions that threaten Nigeria’s energy security cannot be supported.

“This shutdown is hasty and will hurt Nigeria’s energy supply and private investment. We call on PENGASSAN to suspend it immediately,” he said.