PENGASSAN Urges Caution, Calls for Strong Institutions in Dangote–NMDPRA Dispute

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called for caution amid the escalating dispute between the Dangote Group and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). President Festus Osifo warned that broad accusations of sabotage could harm the oil sector, urging that any grievances be examined through solid, independent institutions rather than personal attacks. He stressed that Nigeria must build robust regulators capable of supporting businesses while ensuring compliance with the law.

Osifo highlighted the need for synergy between the Dangote Refinery and government agencies, noting that regulators such as the NMDPRA and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission must be strong, solid, and willing to work with industry players. He argued that the refinery’s success depends on cooperation, not confrontation, and that regulators have a responsibility to foster growth while enforcing rules.

The dispute centers on Dangote’s claim that an “oil mafia” and regulatory failures are obstructing his refinery’s operations. He has called for an investigation into former NMDPRA chief Farouk Ahmed, alleging that Ahmed used $5 million of public funds for his children’s overseas schooling. Osifo responded that such serious allegations need clear evidence and should be handled within institutional frameworks rather than through public mudslinging.

PENGASSAN concluded that the sector requires institutional alignment and urged the Minister of Petroleum Resources to bring all stakeholders together to resolve the impasse. By strengthening institutions over individual blame, the association believes the oil and gas industry can better serve Nigeria’s energy security and economic growth.