RepsThe House of Representatives has passed a resolution to protect strategic private investments in Nigeria from future industrial disruptions following the recent strike action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN,against the Dangote Refinery.
The resolution was adopted after a motion jointly sponsored by Hon. Ado Doguwa and Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki was presented on the floor of the House on Tuesday.
The lawmakers argued that the Dangote Refinery, located within a Free Trade Zone is covered by the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority Act, which prohibits strikes for the first 10 years of operation.
They expressed concern that the recent industrial action may have violated the NEPZA Act and warned that such disruptions could undermine investor confidence and harm Nigeria’s economic outlook.
The House also noted the significant financial losses incurred during the three-day strike and called on the Federal Government to mediate promptly between labour unions and private investors to prevent future conflicts.
Additionally, the lawmakers resolved to develop policy frameworks that would safeguard vital economic assets from being jeopardized by industrial actions, urging the leadership of the House to engage with stakeholders on the matter.
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The strike, which began last month, followed PENGASSAN’s protest against the alleged illegal dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers at the Dangote Refinery. The union accused the company of replacing the affected workers with “over 2,000 Indians,” describing the move as “a grave affront to Nigerian labour.”
However, the Dangote Refinery, which was commissioned in May 2023, denied the allegations, insisting that the restructuring affected only a few staff members and was aimed at improving operational safety and efficiency.
“No law grants PENGASSAN the right to cut off supplies,” the company stated, accusing the union of “criminal conduct.”
The House resolution marks a significant move toward balancing labour rights and investor protection amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s industrial and economic sectors.
