The nationwide strike launched on Monday by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has crippled operations at major oil and gas institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The industrial action, declared by the union’s National Executive Council, forced members across the country to withdraw their services, shutting down vital agencies central to Nigeria’s energy sector.
At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the premises remained under lock and key, with employees barred from entering.
Security officials confirmed the closure was in line with the strike directive. Activities at the NMDPRA office in the Central Business District were also fully halted, with staff observing total compliance.
Confirming the situation, PENGASSAN Chairman in NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, said the union achieved “100 per cent compliance” across all targeted agencies, including the NNPC.
The union said it was forced into action following the alleged unlawful dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. According to PENGASSAN, the affected workers were punished for union membership and replaced by foreigners, a move it described as a violation of Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions.
The strike directive, which includes halting crude oil and gas supply to the refinery, has raised fears of imminent disruptions in fuel distribution. Oil marketers have warned the move could trigger fuel scarcity, price hikes, and potential blackouts nationwide.
“All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” a resolution signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, read. “All international oil company branches must ramp down production and suspend supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.”
The government has called an emergency meeting for Monday, led by the Minister of Labour, to seek a resolution.
With NNPC still the sole importer of petrol and regulatory agencies grounded, industry watchers warn the outcome of the talks could determine whether calm returns or Nigeria slides into a deeper energy crisis.