The Federal Government has moved to calm fears of fuel scarcity following the escalating dispute between Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

In a statement on Sunday, Mohammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Finance, said the government is committed to ensuring energy security and steady supply of petroleum products nationwide.

What Happened?

The assurance came after the Steering Committee of the Domestic Crude Oil and Refined Products Sales in Local Currency Initiative, chaired by Finance Minister Wale Edun, convened to review developments in the downstream sector.

Two major issues topped the agenda:

The purported suspension of the Naira-for-Crude Oil deal by Dangote Refinery (which officials confirmed has now been resolved).

The labour dispute between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery, following reports that the refinery sacked over 800 workers for union membership.

FG’s Position

According to the communique:

“For the avoidance of doubt, the crude oil-for-Naira initiative will continue. All outstanding issues, particularly the dispute between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery, are being addressed with urgency and good faith. There will be no disruption in the supply of refined petroleum products across the country.”

The high-level session was attended by:

Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning

Zacch Adedeji, FIRS Chairman & head of the Technical Committee

Representatives of NNPC Ltd., CBN, NMDPRA, Afreximbank, and Dangote Refinery