Reps Move to Protect Dangote Refinery, Other Strategic Investments from Industrial Disruptions

The House of Representatives has resolved to safeguard key private investments in Nigeria — including the Dangote Refinery — from future industrial actions that could threaten economic stability and investor confidence.

The decision followed the adoption of a motion jointly sponsored by Hon. Ado Doguwa and Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki during Tuesday’s plenary session. The motion came in response to the recent three-day strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over its dispute with the refinery.

Presenting the motion, the lawmakers argued that the Dangote Refinery, being located within a Free Trade Zone (FTZ), is protected under the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) Act, which stipulates a 10-year prohibition on industrial actions in such zones.

They expressed concern that the strike action may have breached the NEPZA Act and warned that such disruptions could undermine investor confidence and negatively affect the country’s economic outlook.

The House also noted the financial losses recorded during the industrial action and urged the Federal Government to intervene promptly to prevent further disputes from jeopardizing strategic economic assets.

In its resolutions, the House directed its leadership to engage relevant stakeholders — including labour unions, regulatory agencies, and investors — to address the recurring issues around labour disputes in critical private sector investments.

Lawmakers also committed to developing policy frameworks aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future while ensuring that industrial harmony and investor protection remain key priorities in Nigeria’s economic agenda.