The House of Representatives Committee on Downstream Petroleum Resources has faulted the directive issued by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) instructing its branches to halt gas and crude oil supplies to the Dangote Refinery.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the committee’s chairman, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, warned that the union’s action could inflict economic damage and discourage foreign investors from showing interest in Nigeria.
According to him, the directive was issued without notice and in disregard of procedures outlined in relevant trade union laws.
“This decision will scare away foreign investors who will be worried that due process does not count in addressing grievances in the sector. Hence the need for the union to return to the table for direct talks to be presided over by the downstream committee, with regulators, the labour ministry, and Dangote Refinery in attendance, to find a sustainable solution to the challenges,” Ugochinyere said.
He urged PENGASSAN to immediately end the action and restore supplies to the refinery to allow lawmakers intervene in the dispute in the overall interest of the nation.
“While this committee acknowledges the concerns of PENGASSAN, it does not approve of the action embarked upon by the union. Their decision to order stoppage of gas supply to Dangote Refinery without notice is hasty and will have multiplier effects on the energy needs of Nigerians. It could also damage delicate private sector investment and destabilize the search for sustainable peace being championed by the committee. Hence, the need for immediate call-off of the shutdown directive,” Ugochinyere declared.