By Reps commend Tinubu’s leadership, call for dialogue to resolve Dangote Refinery dispute.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, GCON, says Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is witnessing a historic transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Speaking at the First Annual Downstream Petroleum Week in Abuja, Speaker Abbas — represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, PhD, CFR — said the federal government’s ongoing reforms are reviving the downstream petroleum sector and driving new investments that will enhance national energy security.
“The commencement of operations at the Dangote Refinery marks a major turning point in Nigeria’s journey toward energy self-sufficiency,” Abbas said. “Our nation is full of success stories, and with collaboration among stakeholders, our challenges are not insurmountable.”
Tinubu’s Reforms Boost Investor Confidence in Nigeria’s Oil Sector.
According to the Speaker, the progress recorded so far reflects the administration’s commitment to industrial revival, policy stability, and transparency in the petroleum value chain. He noted that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021remains a key legislative tool driving efficiency, competition, and investor confidence across the oil and gas industry.
The Speaker commended the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), chaired by Hon. (Barr.) Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, for organizing the landmark national event in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NNPCL, PENGASSAN, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
“Our legislative responsibility is to craft effective policies, enact laws, and provide oversight that will strengthen the downstream sector and ensure a secure and efficient Nigerian economy,” Abbas emphasized.
Reps Call for Peaceful Resolution of Dangote Refinery Dispute
Addressing labour concerns, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere urged stakeholders in the oil and gas sector — particularly labour unions and private operators — to embrace dialogue in resolving ongoing disputes involving the Dangote Refinery.
He noted that while industrial disagreements are not unusual in developing economies, such conflicts must not undermine productivity or national stability.
“We must always choose dialogue over disruption. The National Assembly stands ready to facilitate peace, fairness, and mutual respect in all industrial engagements,” Ugochinyere stated.
He added that the Downstream Petroleum Week would serve as a recurring platform for policy evaluation, stakeholder dialogue, and accountability to ensure sustained growth in the sector.
Nigeria’s Downstream Petroleum Future
Experts at the conference said Nigeria’s downstream reforms, coupled with the emergence of private refineries, could reposition the country as Africa’s leading energy hub. The combination of legislative oversight, investor confidence, and the government’s reform drive is expected to create jobs, reduce fuel import dependency, and stabilize the economy.
Speaker Abbas reaffirmed that the House of Representatives remains committed to building a transparent and sustainable downstream petroleum industry.
“This conference is not just a policy forum — it’s a national reset,” Abbas concluded. “Together, we can redefine the future of Nigeria’s energy sector through innovation, inclusiveness, and accountability.”
