Oil & Energy
Reps C’mitee Moves To Resolve Dangote, NUPENG Dispute
The House of Representative on Petroleum Resources (downstream), has pledged to intervene in the ongoing dispute between Dangote Refinery and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), warning that mishandling the issue could destabilize the downstream sector.
Chairman of the Committee, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, gave the assurance at the close of a three-day retreat, in Lagos, at the Weekend.
Ugochinyere noted that while Dangote and NUPENG signed a Memorandum of Understanding on September 9 to strengthen workers’ right to unionise, fresh disagreements have since emerged.
He stated that the committee had received multiple submissions from stakeholders adding that it would act in the best interest of both parties.
“If the issue is not well handled, it will create instability in the downstream sector. We must balance labour issues with economic interests,” he stated.
It would be noted that NUPENG had accused the refinery of intimidation, alleging it ordered truck drivers to remove union stickers before loading. Dangote, however, dismissed the claims describing it as “cheap blackmail.”
He also revealed that the committee has reopened its investigation into NNPC Ltd.’s acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing’s downstream assets and refinery upgrade, following a directive from the House after the initial report was rejected for omitting key facts.
“The investigation is distinct from the previous inquiry carried out. The House, therefore, mandated the Downstream Committee to undertake a fresh investigation—with a clear directive to uncover what truly transpired in the OVH acquisition process”, Ugochinyere said.
With the commencement of the investigation, the committee chairman said the general public is invited to make their input before the lawmakers present their recommendations on the floor of the House.
He directed that those with information and submissions should submit them to the clerk of the downstream committee.