Reps move to mediate in Dangote–NUPENG dispute

The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has pledged to intervene in the ongoing face-off between the Dangote Group and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), assuring stakeholders that it will act to safeguard stability and fairness in the downstream sector.

The move followed a three-day retreat in Lagos where lawmakers, regulators, and industry operators examined challenges confronting the petroleum industry.

Committee chairman, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, told reporters that parliament would not allow disputes between major investors and labour unions to disrupt operations or threaten the country’s energy security.

“Our priority is to deliver reforms that guarantee efficiency, fairness and competitiveness across the board.

“We will step in to ensure no stakeholder feels sidelined or shortchanged,” Ugochinyere said.

At the retreat, lawmakers also reviewed the hurdles facing local refineries, particularly crude supply shortages.

They called for greater transparency in allocation and pricing to enable state-owned and modular refineries to operate sustainably.

On the controversial acquisition of OVH Energy’s downstream assets by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Ugochinyere disclosed that the committee’s fresh investigation was already at an advanced stage.

He stressed that the probe was different from an earlier inquiry rejected on the floor of the House, noting that some stakeholders had yet to submit key documents.

He invited members of the public to make submissions to the Clerk of the committee ahead of its recommendations.

The retreat commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Dangote Refinery, modular refinery operators, and other stakeholders for their investments in strengthening the sector.

Lawmakers also welcomed NNPCL’s renewed efforts to revive the Port Harcourt Refinery.

Sub-committee reports are expected in the coming weeks to guide legislative action on crude supply, refinery rehabilitation, and regulatory oversight.

Analysts say the outcome of the retreat and ongoing investigations could usher in a more transparent and competitive downstream sector, while also easing tensions between labour unions and private investors.