The nationwide strike declared on Monday by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has disrupted operations at major oil and gas regulatory institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The industrial action, which stemmed from a resolution of the union’s National Executive Council over the weekend, led members across the country to down tools, effectively grounding agencies critical to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main entrance was firmly shut, leaving several employees stranded outside. Security personnel at the facility confirmed that no staff were allowed entry in line with PENGASSAN’s directive.
Also, activities at the NMDPRA offices in the Central Business District were fully halted as workers strictly adhered to the action.
Tony Iziogba, PENGASSAN Chairman at NMDPRA confirmed the development that the union had ensured “100 per cent compliance,” effectively blocking access to both staff and visitors.
He added that similar enforcement of “100 per cent compliance” was recorded at the NNPCL and other concerned agencies.
PENGASSAN explained that the strike became unavoidable after the alleged illegal dismissal of about 800 employees at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The union’s order to suspend crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Refinery has rattled the energy sector, with marketers warning of massive disruptions in fuel distribution. The decision is expected to tighten domestic supply, pushing up demand and prices.
On Sunday, PENGASSAN had declared the strike, instructing members in all offices, companies, institutions, and agencies to halt services beginning 12:01 am on Monday, September 29, 2025.
The union also directed personnel at field locations to down tools from 6:00 am on Sunday, September 28, and commence a continuous prayer vigil.
In a strongly worded resolution signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the refinery was accused of breaching Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation standards by terminating workers for joining the union. It alleged the dismissed employees were replaced by expatriates.
“All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the resolution declared. “All IOC (International Oil Companies) branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.”
The development has heightened fears of looming fuel scarcity and electricity blackouts, given NNPC’s role as the sole importer of petrol and the responsibility of the midstream and downstream authority in managing supply and distribution. In the same vein, NUPRC plays a crucial part in supervising crude production and ensuring gas supply to power plants.
Focus has now turned to the emergency meeting called by the Minister of Labour on Monday. The outcome of the dialogue will determine whether tensions are reduced or if the country sinks further into crisis, depending on the readiness of both sides to find common ground.
