James ObasiReps Step in to Resolve PENGASSAN–Dangote Refinery Dispute
The House of Representatives has resolved to intervene in the ongoing dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Refinery, which recently disrupted the distribution of petroleum products across the country.
The decision followed the consideration and adoption of a motion of urgent public importance co-sponsored by lawmakers Alhassan Doguwa (Kano) and Abdussamad Dasuki (Sokoto) during Tuesday’s plenary session.
In the motion titled “We need to protect private investment from adversarial unionism,” the lawmakers highlighted the critical role of the Dangote Refinery, describing it as the largest privately owned petroleum refinery in Africa.
The industrial action by PENGASSAN, which began on September 29, 2025, halted operations at the $20 billion refinery and caused a decline in Nigeria’s crude oil production, reportedly leading to a loss of about 200,000 barrels daily over a three-day period. The strike also intensified the nationwide fuel shortage, resulting in long queues at filling stations and hardship for millions of Nigerians.
Presenting the motion, Doguwa, who represents the Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the Dangote Refinery, citing its potential to enhance energy security, reduce import dependency, generate jobs, and conserve foreign exchange.
He pointed out that the refinery operates within a Free Trade Zone under the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), which, according to Section 18(5) of the NEPZA Act, provides that employment matters within such zones are governed by the Authority’s regulations rather than general labour laws.
Doguwa warned that union activities that disregard these legal provisions could create a hostile environment for investors and threaten future private investments.
He stated, “If strategic private investments continue to face unlawful disruptions through adversarial unionism, Nigeria risks losing key economic assets and eroding investor confidence crucial for national growth.”
Contributing to the debate, Ahmad Jaha, who represents Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency, cautioned the House to act with prudence, noting that an immediate probe might not be appropriate at this stage.
Following deliberations, the House resolved to facilitate peace talks between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery in the national interest.
Additionally, it urged the Federal Ministries of Labour and Employment, Industry, Trade and Investment, and Justice to jointly create and implement a national framework to protect strategic private investments from unlawful union disruptions.
The House also directed the Ministry of Justice and NEPZA to ensure full enforcement of Section 18(5) of the NEPZA Act across all Free Zone operations in the country.
