The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Monday began a nationwide strike that has paralyzed operations at key oil and gas regulatory institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The industrial action, which followed a weekend directive by the union’s National Executive Council, forced workers across the country to withdraw their services, shutting down critical agencies at the heart of Nigeria’s energy sector.
At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was locked, leaving staff stranded outside. Security operatives confirmed that no employees were allowed entry in compliance with the strike order.
Similarly, activities at the NMDPRA headquarters in the Central Business District were grounded, with PENGASSAN officials confirming “100 per cent compliance.”
Union leaders said the strike became inevitable following the alleged wrongful dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The workers, according to the union, were dismissed for joining PENGASSAN and replaced with foreigners, a move the association described as a violation of Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
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“All processes involving gas and crude supply to the Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” PENGASSAN declared in a resolution signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa.
The directive also ordered International Oil Companies to cut gas production and halt supplies to Dangote’s refinery and petrochemical operations.
The strike has raised fears of fuel scarcity, blackouts, and price hikes, as NNPC remains Nigeria’s sole petrol importer, while NUPRC and NMDPRA regulate crude output, supply, and distribution.
Oil marketers have already warned of disruptions that could choke the domestic market and spike fuel costs.
The Minister of Labour has convened an emergency meeting to seek a resolution, but uncertainty remains over whether dialogue will restore calm or push Nigeria further into crisis.
Image Credit: Asaba Metro News
