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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 has disrupted the distribution of petroleum products nationwide.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance jointly sponsored by Alhassan Doguwa (Kano) and Abdussamad Dasuki (Sokoto) during Tuesday’s plenary.
The motion, titled “We Need to Protect Private Investment from Adversarial Unionism,” highlighted the strategic importance of the Dangote Refinery, described as Africa’s largest private petroleum refinery.
The face-off between PENGASSAN and the refinery triggered an industrial action on 29 September 2025, halting operations at the $20 billion facility. It also caused a nationwide fuel supply disruption, with crude oil production losses estimated at 200,000 barrels per day for three consecutive days. The strike led to widespread fuel scarcity, resulting in long queues at filling stations and severe hardship for millions of Nigerians.
Speaking on the motion, Doguwa, who represents the Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, emphasised the need to safeguard the Dangote Refinery due to its crucial role in Nigeria’s economic stability.
He said, “The Dangote Refinery is a strategic private investment of immense national importance, capable of ensuring energy security, reducing import dependence, creating jobs, and conserving foreign exchange.”
He further noted that the refinery operates within a Free Trade Zone under the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) Act. Section 18(5) of the Act stipulates that employment in such zones is governed solely by NEPZA regulations, not by general labour laws.
“The House is concerned that union actions disregarding the protections under the NEPZA Act breach the law and create a hostile environment for investors,” Doguwa stated.
Contributing to the debate, Ahmad Jaha, representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency, cautioned the House to proceed carefully, arguing that an immediate probe might be premature.
After deliberations, the House urged its leadership to mediate between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery in the national interest. It also directed the Federal Ministries of Labour and Employment, Industry, Trade and Investment, and Justice to jointly develop a framework to protect key private investments from unlawful industrial actions.
Additionally, the House mandated the Ministry of Justice and NEPZA to ensure strict enforcement of Section 18(5) of the NEPZA Act across all Free Zone operations.
