The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) initiated a nationwide strike on Monday, bringing operations at pivotal oil and gas regulatory bodies to a standstill. This includes the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Following a directive issued by the union’s National Executive Council over the weekend, members across the country ceased their duties, effectively immobilizing essential institutions that oversee Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main entrance was firmly shut, leaving numerous employees unable to enter. Security personnel confirmed that access was denied in adherence to the union’s orders. Likewise, operations at the NMDPRA office in the Central Business District were completely halted as staff fully observed the strike.
Tony Iziogba, PENGASSAN’s Chairman at NMDPRA, affirmed that the union achieved “full compliance,” barring both employees and visitors from entering the premises. He also noted that similar enforcement was in place at NNPCL and other related agencies.
The strike was triggered by the controversial dismissal of approximately 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which PENGASSAN claims was unjust. The union has further directed its members to suspend all crude oil and gas deliveries to the refinery, a move that industry experts warn could cause significant disruptions in fuel supply and lead to price hikes.
On Sunday, PENGASSAN declared the strike, instructing members in offices, companies, and agencies nationwide to stop work starting at 12:01 am Monday. Those stationed in field operations were told to cease activities from 6:00 am Sunday. Additionally, a continuous prayer vigil was organized to support the cause.
In an official statement signed by General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery management of breaching Nigerian labor laws and International Labour Organization standards by terminating employees due to their union affiliation and replacing them with foreign workers.
“Immediate suspension of all gas and crude oil supplies to Dangote Refinery is mandated,” the statement declared. “All International Oil Companies are instructed to reduce gas production and halt supplies to Dangote Refinery and associated petrochemical facilities.”
This situation has escalated concerns about potential fuel shortages and power outages, given that NNPC is the primary petrol importer, while NUPRC regulates crude oil production and enforces gas supply commitments to power plants.
An urgent meeting called by the Minister of Labour is scheduled for Monday to address the unfolding crisis.
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