Nationwide PENGASSAN Strike Grounds NNPC, Oil Regulators Over Dangote Refinery Sackings

Nigeria’s oil and gas sector was thrown into turmoil on Monday as the nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) paralysed operations at key regulatory agencies and companies.

The industrial action, which followed a weekend directive by the union’s National Executive Council, led to a complete shutdown of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was locked, leaving employees stranded outside. Security operatives confirmed that no staff were allowed entry. Similarly, activities at the NMDPRA headquarters in the Central Business District were completely grounded.

Confirming the action, PENGASSAN Chairman in NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, said the union had secured “100 per cent compliance” at the agency and across the NNPCL, stressing that members were resolute in enforcing the directive.

The strike follows the dismissal of about 800 Nigerian workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a move PENGASSAN described as a violation of Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions. The union alleged the refinery replaced sacked workers with foreign expatriates.

In a resolution signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, PENGASSAN ordered all crude oil and gas supplies to Dangote Refinery to be halted immediately. “All IOC (International Oil Companies) branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals,” the directive read.

The action has sent shockwaves through the energy sector, with oil marketers warning of possible severe disruptions in fuel distribution that could trigger scarcity, price hikes, and blackouts.

PENGASSAN, in addition, mandated members in field locations to down tools from 6:00 am on Sunday, September 28, while also declaring a round-the-clock prayer vigil.

The Federal Government has convened an emergency meeting for Monday through the Minister of Labour to broker peace. However, analysts warn that Nigeria risks plunging deeper into energy crisis unless urgent compromises are reached between the union and the Dangote Refinery management.