The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Monday paralysed 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, saw members across the country withdrawing their services, effectively shutting down critical agencies that drive Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, it was observed that the main gate was under lock and key, leaving several employees stranded outside. Security operatives confirmed that staff were barred from entry in line with the union’s directive. A similar scene unfolded at the NMDPRA headquarters in the Central Business District, where activities were completely grounded as workers fully complied with the strike order.
Confirming the development, PENGASSAN Chairman at NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba,said that there was “100 per cent compliance,” effectively restricting access to staff and visitors. He added that the same level of compliance had been enforced at the NNPCL and other key agencies.
The strike, according to PENGASSAN, became inevitable following the alleged wrongful dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The union accused the refinery of breaching Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by sacking workers who joined the union, claiming they were subsequently replaced with foreigners.
In a strongly worded resolution signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union directed that all processes involving gas and crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery be halted immediately. “All IOC branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals,” the statement declared.
The directive has already sent shockwaves through the energy sector, with oil marketers warning of severe disruptions in fuel distribution. Industry analysts say the move could choke the domestic market, driving up demand and prices, while raising the risk of nationwide fuel scarcity and power outages.
On Sunday, the union instructed all members in offices, companies, institutions, and agencies to cease services from 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025. Members stationed at field locations were told to down tools from 6:00 a.m. on Sunday and commence a round-the-clock prayer vigil in solidarity.
With NNPCL still the sole importer of petrol, and NMDPRA regulating fuel supply and distribution, the strike has thrown the sector into uncertainty. NUPRC’s role in monitoring crude production and gas supply obligations to power plants further heightens the risk of blackouts and production losses.
All eyes are now on Monday’s emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Labour. Whether dialogue can restore calm, or whether the crisis deepens, will depend on how far both sides are willing to compromise.
