From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has said it is working towards resolving the face-off between Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (NUPENG).

The chairman of the committee, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, disclosed this, on Friday, while briefing journalists, at the end of panel’s three-day retreat, in Lagos.

Ugochinyere, who stated that the parliament would work towards striking a balance between Dangote Refinery and NUPENG, said the rift between them,of not addressed would impact negatively on the sector.

The lawmaker explained that “we have received submissions from various groups regarding the matter between Dangote Refinery, NUPENG and others. We need to balance labour issues with national economic interests, so that investors will not lose faith in the system. The issue has to be well handled because we should avoid creating instability in the sector.”

Furthermore, Ugochinyere said the panel has commenced a fresh probe of Nigerian National Petroleum Company’s (NNPCL) acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing’s downstream assets, as well as refinery upgrade.

According to him, the fresh investigation is line with the directive by the House to committee to ascertain what actually transpired with the acquisition of OVH Energy by the NNPCL.

“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.
“The committee has now begun this re-investigation in earnest and held a special committee meeting to deliberate on the matter.

“One of the key resolutions at that meeting was the timely completion of the investigation, which has been long overdue. Pressure from retail staff, industry stakeholders, and members of the public has mounted, questioning the delay and demanding 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,” he stated.

Ugochinyere explained that the fresh probe, apart from addressing unresolved issues, over the OVH acquisition, would help to restore public trust in the NNPCL, so that ongoing reform are not marred by past controversies.

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