- Komolafe seeks dialogue in the Dangote–PENGASSAN dispute to prevent disruptions to Nigeria’s energy supply.
- NUPRC introduced new regulations to track crude oil and reduce losses nationwide.
Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has urged Dangote Refinery and the Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to embrace dialogue. This comes as tensions escalate between the refinery and union leaders.
He appealed to PENGASSAN and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to prioritise peaceful discussions. In his view, disruptive actions could quickly destabilise Nigeria’s fragile energy supply chain.
The unions, however, continue to challenge Dangote Refinery over worker dismissals and alleged breaches of labour rights. Nevertheless, Komolafe stressed that although the disputes involve midstream and downstream operations, they ultimately threaten the nation’s energy security.
Therefore, he insisted that dialogue remains the only path to resolution. By fostering mutual understanding, both investors and workers can benefit. Furthermore, Nigerians would enjoy uninterrupted fuel access and greater energy stability.
Komolafe also highlighted NUPRC’s achievements in reducing crude oil losses nationwide. In fact, he credited President Bola Tinubu’s directives and new regulatory strategies for cutting oil losses by almost 90 per cent since 2021.
In addition, he explained that the commission introduced two pioneering regulations. The upstream measurement and advanced cargo declaration regulations reinforce accountability and improve transparency across Nigeria’s oil industry.
Significantly, these regulations mark a historic breakthrough after more than seventy years of oil exploration. For the first time, regulators consistently track crude oil from loading terminals to discharge points.
Moreover, Komolafe noted that engineering integrity audits had already begun after years of neglect. So far, NUPRC has assessed over 700 metering points to guarantee accuracy in oil production reporting.
Regarding advanced cargo regulation, he explained that every barrel leaving Nigeria’s terminals undergoes digital monitoring. As a result, the system instantly flags discrepancies between loaded and discharged volumes, strengthening oversight of exports.
Ultimately, Komolafe stressed that protecting Nigeria’s oil sector demands innovation and dialogue. Consequently, he argued that the Dangote–PENGASSAN dispute requires cooperation to deliver a lasting solution, safeguard jobs, and ensure energy security.