The House of Representatives has passed a resolution aimed at protecting key private investments in Nigeria from future industrial disruptions, following the recent strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against the Dangote Refinery.
The resolution was adopted on Tuesday after a motion jointly sponsored by Hon. Ado Doguwa and Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki was debated on the floor of the House.
Moving the motion, the lawmakers expressed concern that the industrial action by PENGASSAN may have violated existing laws governing operations within Nigeriaβs Free Trade Zones (FTZs), where the Dangote Refinery is located. They cited provisions of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) Act, which grants companies within such zones a 10-year no-strike guarantee.
According to the lawmakers, the recent strike not only disrupted operations at the multi-billion-dollar refinery but also risked eroding investor confidence in Nigeriaβs business environment. They warned that repeated industrial disputes of this nature could undermine the countryβs efforts to attract and retain foreign and local investments.
βThe Dangote Refinery represents a strategic national asset with significant implications for energy security, job creation, and economic growth,β the motion read in part. βDisruptions to its operations could have far-reaching economic consequences.β
The House noted that the three-day strike resulted in substantial financial losses and called on the Federal Government to urgently engage with the labour union and management of the refinery to prevent a recurrence.
Lawmakers also resolved to develop policy frameworks that would safeguard strategic economic investments from future labour-related crises. The leadership of the House was directed to liaise with relevant ministries, agencies, and stakeholders to ensure compliance with existing laws and promote peaceful industrial relations.
