Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Senate said it has finalized plans to conduct a thorough and a holistic investigative hearing into the challenges bedeviling the Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, in a move aimed at resolving unending disputes between oil sector labour unions and addressing transparency and efficiency gaps in refinery operations.
The decision, according to a statement by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum, Kawu Samaila, follows resolutions reached at the Committee’s recent retreat and aligns with its Strategic Action Workplan for the fourth quarter of 2025 through the fourth quarter of 2026.
The Committee said the investigation had become imperative in view of lingering concerns surrounding the operations of private refineries, government-owned refineries and independent petroleum marketers.
It will also examine ongoing disputes involving the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and other labour stakeholders in the sector.
The probe will further cover allegations relating to crude oil supply obligations, regulatory overlaps, labour rights disputes, transparency and competitiveness within the downstream petroleum space.
“This investigative hearing has become necessary to provide a fair, transparent, and inclusive platform where all stakeholders—including private refinery owners, government refineries, labour unions, regulators, civil society groups, and other interested parties—will be given the opportunity to present their positions, raise concerns, and make submissions.”
According to the Senate, the findings from the hearing will guide the legislature in reshaping the roles of regulatory agencies to better manage industrial disputes, address systemic bottlenecks in the downstream sector and strengthen oversight and legislative measures for improved efficiency.
The Committee emphasised that resolving these issues is vital to safeguarding workers’ rights, promoting industrial harmony, and enhancing Nigeria’s energy….. security, transparency, and competitiveness.
The planned investigation also aims to clarify the future of the downstream sector under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and address the growing concerns of independent petroleum marketers, whose operational challenges often contribute to disruptions in fuel supply and pricing.
It pointed out further that the probe will ensure that every naira spent in the petroleum industry translates into value for money projects and improved public service delivery.
“The Committee assures all Nigerians and stakeholders of its unwavering commitment to an open, balanced, and constructive process in the overall interest of national development.”
