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Reps committee to mediate Dangote, NUPENG dispute over downstream operations.
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Lawmakers push for reforms, transparency, and crude supply for refineries.
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Fresh probe into NNPCL’s OVH acquisition already at advanced stage.
The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has pledged to wade into the ongoing dispute between the Dangote Group and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
Chairman of the committee, Ikenga Ugochinyere, told journalists that lawmakers were committed to mediating between the parties and ensuring a resolution that safeguards stability in the downstream sector.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the decision followed the conclusion of a three-day retreat in Lagos, where lawmakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders deliberated on critical issues affecting Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
Ugochinyere said the committee would not allow disputes between major investors and unions to derail operations or threaten energy security.
“Our priority is to deliver real reforms that guarantee efficiency, fairness, and competitiveness across the board. We are going to step in to ensure that no stakeholder feels sidelined or shortchanged,” he said.
Discussions at the retreat also addressed the persistent challenges confronting local refineries, especially difficulties in securing reliable crude supply. Lawmakers called for more transparency in the allocation and pricing of crude oil, stressing the need for both state-owned and modular refineries to operate sustainably.
On the lingering controversy surrounding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) acquisition of OVH Energy’s downstream assets, Ugochinyere confirmed that the committee’s fresh investigation was at an advanced stage. He clarified that the probe was distinct from an earlier inquiry rejected on the floor of the House.
He added that although some stakeholders had yet to submit critical documents, the committee was determined to proceed, noting that the mandate of the House must be carried out in full.
