House Committee Moves to Resolve Dangote–NUPENG Dispute

The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has stepped into the ongoing conflict between the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), urging both parties to embrace dialogue and find a peaceful resolution in the interest of national stability. The intervention follows weeks of rising tension sparked by disagreements over supply arrangements, labor issues, and claims of economic sabotage that have unsettled Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.

The committee, chaired by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, convened an emergency session on Tuesday in Abuja, where key representatives of Dangote Refinery, NUPENG, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources were invited for deliberations. Lawmakers said the crisis had grown too sensitive to be left unresolved, stressing that both the refinery and the labor union are strategic players whose cooperation is crucial for Nigeria’s energy security.

NUPENG had earlier accused the refinery of unfair labor practices and alleged that its policies were undermining workers’ welfare and the survival of independent marketers. In response, the Dangote Refinery dismissed the allegations as unfounded, insisting that its operations are designed to strengthen Nigeria’s oil sector and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products. The refinery also accused some vested interests of sabotaging its activities to frustrate its ability to stabilize the downstream sector.

The House Committee emphasized that the face-off was already affecting supply chain confidence, with fears that prolonged hostilities could disrupt fuel availability nationwide. Lawmakers warned that Nigerians, who are already contending with high inflation and a fragile economy, should not be made to suffer further from avoidable disruptions in the energy sector. They urged both sides to prioritize national interest above organizational or individual considerations.

During the session, Hon. Ugochinyere reminded stakeholders that the Dangote Refinery, with its 650,000 barrels per day capacity, is central to Nigeria’s energy future and must operate without constant disputes. He added that labor unions like NUPENG remain vital watchdogs that protect the rights of workers and ensure fairness in the industry, making collaboration between both sides indispensable. He assured that the House would use its legislative oversight powers to mediate fairly and ensure that agreements reached are binding.

The committee directed the NMDPRA to present a comprehensive report on the regulatory compliance status of the refinery and submit recommendations on how to address concerns raised by marketers and labor unions. It also asked the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to provide clarity on government policy directions concerning product pricing, labor relations, and the refinery’s operational framework.

In his remarks, NUPENG President, Prince Williams Akporeha, restated the union’s grievances, saying workers must not be sidelined in the operations of a refinery that directly impacts their welfare and job security. He warned that unless issues were resolved quickly, the union might consider industrial actions to press home its demands. However, he expressed confidence that the committee’s intervention could pave the way for a compromise.

Representatives of the Dangote Refinery, on the other hand, reaffirmed their commitment to fair labor practices, transparent operations, and partnership with marketers and unions. They insisted that the refinery is Nigeria’s best chance at achieving self-sufficiency in refined products and must not be dragged into avoidable disputes that threaten its contribution to the economy.

Industry experts welcomed the House intervention, noting that the dispute highlights Nigeria’s broader challenges in balancing private investment interests with labor and consumer concerns. They argued that while the Dangote Refinery must operate profitably as a private business, it also carries national significance and therefore requires policies that align its operations with Nigeria’s socio-economic priorities.

Analysts also pointed out that the conflict underscores the need for stronger regulatory clarity. They said government agencies must proactively mediate between labor and investors to prevent issues from escalating into public crises. By ensuring that both sides feel protected, the government can safeguard the stability of vital sectors such as oil and gas.

Beyond resolving the immediate face-off, lawmakers hinted that they may recommend new legislative frameworks to prevent similar disputes in the future. Such frameworks could involve binding mediation processes, clearer labor protections in strategic industries, and structured pricing agreements that balance profitability with affordability for Nigerians.

The committee assured that its primary objective was to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products, safeguard workers’ rights, and support the refinery’s strategic role in the economy. Hon. Ugochinyere further stated that reports and recommendations from the session would be presented to the House leadership for immediate legislative action.

Observers say that how this dispute is resolved will set the tone for future engagements between major investors and labor unions in Nigeria. The Dangote Refinery is the country’s largest private investment in decades, and its success or failure could influence the attractiveness of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to both local and foreign investors.

As the committee prepares its final recommendations, both NUPENG and the Dangote Refinery have agreed to continue discussions under the committee’s supervision. For now, Nigerians await a resolution that will not only address labor and operational concerns but also strengthen the downstream sector’s stability at a time when the economy is in dire need of growth and energy reliability.

The House of Representatives’ move reflects a growing recognition that disputes in strategic sectors cannot be left to chance. In a country where fuel supply and pricing directly affect livelihoods, ensuring harmony between investors and labor unions remains central to protecting both the economy and the people.