Nigeria’s petroleum sector came to a halt on Monday as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) launched a nationwide strike. The action shut down three of the country’s most strategic energy institutions: the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The strike, declared by PENGASSAN’s National Executive Council (NEC) over the weekend, began at midnight and immediately disrupted operations across the industry. At NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate remained locked and workers were turned away. Security personnel confirmed that access was denied in line with the union’s directive.
Likewise, activities at NMDPRA’s offices in the Central Business District came to a standstill. According to PENGASSAN branch chairman Tony Iziogba, compliance was “total” and extended to NNPC as well as other agencies across the country.
Dangote Refinery Labour Dispute Sparks Action
The union explained that the strike became inevitable after Dangote Refinery allegedly dismissed about 800 Nigerian workers who had joined PENGASSAN. It argued that the refinery’s action violated both Nigerian labour laws and international conventions. Furthermore, the union alleged that many of the dismissed employees were replaced with foreign staff.
In a resolution signed by General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, PENGASSAN directed members in oil companies to halt crude oil and gas deliveries to Dangote Refinery. “All IOC branches must ramp down gas production and stop supplies to Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals,” the statement said.
Market Braces for Scarcity and Price Surge
Consequently, the directive rattled the energy market. Oil marketers warned that choking off supplies to the refinery could strain nationwide fuel distribution, raise fears of scarcity, and push pump prices higher. To escalate pressure, PENGASSAN had earlier instructed members in field locations to down tools on Sunday morning and commence round-the-clock prayer vigils in preparation for the full shutdown.
With NNPC still serving as Nigeria’s sole petrol importer, NMDPRA regulating supply, and NUPRC monitoring crude production, the strike threatens to freeze the entire energy chain and disrupt power generation as well as distribution.
Government Moves to Contain Crisis
Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour convened an emergency meeting on Monday to address the escalating crisis. Whether dialogue succeeds in restoring calm—or instead plunges the country deeper into shortages—will depend on the willingness of both sides to compromise.