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The Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) in the House of Representatives has vowed to step in and mediate the ongoing conflict between Dangote Refinery and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), warning that poor handling of the matter could disrupt the downstream sector.
Chairman of the committee, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, gave this assurance in Lagos on Friday at the conclusion of a three-day retreat.
He pointed out that even though Dangote and NUPENG had signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 9th September to reinforce workers’ rights to join unions, new tensions have emerged. NUPENG accused the refinery of engaging in intimidation, claiming it instructed truck drivers to remove union stickers before they could load products. Dangote, on the other hand, rejected these accusations, describing them as “cheap blackmail.”
Ugochinyere said the committee had received various submissions from stakeholders and would take steps that consider the interests 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.
He also announced that the committee had resumed 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 first report was rejected for excluding vital information.
He said that with the relaunch of the investigation, the public is invited to contribute their views before the committee presents its findings on the House floor. He encouraged individuals with relevant information or documents to submit them to the clerk of the downstream committee.
He explained that one of the major delays in the investigation was caused by the failure of some stakeholders to submit crucial documents, but the committee had now resolved to proceed regardless of those submissions and fulfil the mandate given by the House.
The lawmaker assured that anyone found guilty of wrongdoing—either through direct actions or negligence—would be identified, and necessary recommendations would be made for the benefit of the country.
Ugochinyere said, “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.
“This includes examining the funds paid, details of the acquisition agreement, the assets involved, and the circumstances in which former OVH managers were reported to have formed a new company that later acquired OVH itself. Shockingly, those same individuals are also alleged to have assumed leadership roles within NNPC Retail, raising serious concerns about the integrity and transparency of the entire transaction.”
He stated that the committee had already begun this new investigation and held a special meeting to address the issue. A major resolution at that session was to ensure the timely completion of the investigation, which has already been delayed for too long. There has been growing pressure from retail staff, industry players, and members of the public, demanding clarity and accountability.
“One of the major causes of delay was the failure of certain stakeholders to submit vital documents. However, the committee has now resolved to move forward with or without those submissions and complete the assignment as mandated by the House. As part of the parliamentary process, the investigation must be concluded and a detailed report submitted to the House for action.”
“This investigation is critical—not just to address the numerous unanswered questions and alleged irregularities surrounding the OVH acquisition—but also to allow the new leadership at NNPC Retail to focus fully on their ongoing reforms without distraction. Laying these matters to rest is essential for restoring public trust and ensuring that the reforms are not undermined by past controversies.”
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