The House of Representatives has passed a resolution to safeguard major private investments in Nigeria following the recent strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against the Dangote Refinery.
The decision was reached on Tuesday, October 21, after a motion jointly sponsored by Hon. Ado Doguwa and Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki was debated on the floor of the House.
In their motion, the lawmakers stressed that the Dangote Refinery operates within a Free Trade Zone (FTZ), where strikes are prohibited for 10 years under the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) Act.
They argued that PENGASSAN’s industrial action may have violated this law.
The House expressed concern that such disruptions could harm investor confidence and damage the country’s economic stability.
It noted the financial losses recorded during the three-day strike and urged the Federal Government to step in quickly to resolve labour disputes affecting key private ventures.
READ ALSO: Dangote Refinery Thanks Tinubu for Ending Dispute with PENGASSAN
Lawmakers also resolved to develop policy measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and directed the House leadership to engage relevant stakeholders to address rising tensions over labour actions targeting private companies.
Last month, PENGASSAN shut down operations at the Dangote Refinery over what it described as the unlawful dismissal of more than 800 Nigerian workers.
The union accused the refinery of breaching labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions.
It also alleged that the refinery had replaced the affected workers with “over 2,000 Indians,” describing the action as an “affront to Nigerian workers.”
However, the management of Dangote Refinery denied the allegations, saying the company only carried out a limited restructuring to enhance safety and efficiency.
“No law grants PENGASSAN the right to cut off supplies,” the company said, accusing the union of “criminal conduct.”