The House of Representatives Committee on Downstream Petroleum Resources has strongly criticised the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) for directing some of its branches to halt gas and crude oil supplies to the Dangote Refinery amid its ongoing industrial action.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the committee described the union’s directive as a move capable of undermining Nigeria’s energy stability at a critical time. Lawmakers warned that disrupting crude and gas flows to the $20 billion refinery could have serious consequences for both the economy and citizens, especially as the facility is seen as central to Nigeria’s fuel self-sufficiency drive.
Committee Chairman, Hon. [insert if known], stressed that while workers have the right to protest and demand fair treatment, such actions must not cripple the nation’s vital infrastructure.
“We are calling on PENGASSAN to reconsider its approach and embrace dialogue with relevant stakeholders. The refinery is a national asset, and any disruption risks worsening fuel supply challenges,” the committee said.
The lawmakers further urged the Ministry of Labour and Employment, as well as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), to step in and mediate between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery management to resolve the dispute without further escalation.
PENGASSAN had earlier accused the refinery of anti-labour practices and demanded the reinstatement of sacked Nigerian workers, prompting its directive for branches to cut supplies.
As tensions rise, industry observers caution that prolonged standoff could trigger shortages, raise pump prices, and deepen public frustration already fueled by economic hardships.
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