Reps Intervene in Dangote Row

The House of Representatives has decided to step in to resolve the ongoing conflict between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Refinery, a dispute that recently disrupted fuel distribution across the country. This intervention followed the consideration and approval of a motion of urgent public importance co-sponsored by lawmakers Alhassan Doguwa from Kano and Abdussamad Dasuki from Sokoto during Tuesday’s plenary session.

The motion, titled “Protecting Private Investments from Adversarial Unionism,” highlighted the critical role of the Dangote Refinery, described as Africa’s largest privately owned oil refinery. Lawmakers expressed concern that the standoff between PENGASSAN and the refinery, which led to an industrial strike on September 29, 2025, severely affected operations at the $20 billion facility. The action reportedly caused a production shortfall of about 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day over three days, worsening the already tight fuel supply situation nationwide and triggering long queues at petrol stations.

Presenting the motion, Doguwa, who represents the Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, emphasized the importance of protecting the refinery due to its strategic value to the Nigerian economy. He noted that the facility has the capacity to enhance energy security, cut down on fuel importation, create employment opportunities, and save foreign exchange. He further explained that the refinery operates within a Free Trade Zone and is governed by the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA). Citing Section 18(5) of the NEPZA Act, he reminded lawmakers that employment issues within Free Zones are regulated by NEPZA rules, not general labour laws.

Doguwa warned that union activities that ignore these legal provisions undermine the country’s investment climate. He stressed that continued interference in such vital private ventures could discourage investors and threaten Nigeria’s economic progress. According to him, protecting strategic investments like the Dangote Refinery is crucial to maintaining stability and confidence in the business environment.

In his contribution, Ahmad Jaha, representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency, advised the House to handle the issue cautiously. He argued that the motion’s call for a probe might be premature and that careful mediation would yield better results.

Following deliberations, the House adopted the motion and directed its leadership to engage both parties in dialogue to restore industrial peace. It also called on the Federal Ministries of Labour and Employment, Industry, Trade and Investment, and Justice to develop a comprehensive framework to protect strategic private investments from unlawful or disruptive union actions.

Additionally, the House instructed the Federal Ministry of Justice and NEPZA to ensure full compliance with Section 18(5) of the NEPZA Act in all Free Zone operations. The resolution underscores the lawmakers’ determination to balance workers’ rights with the need to sustain investor confidence and secure the nation’s economic growth.