A nationwide strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Monday brought operations to a standstill at key energy 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 strike, which followed a directive from the union’s National Executive Council, saw workers withdraw their services across the country, crippling vital agencies that oversee Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main entrance was locked, leaving staff stranded outside. Security officials confirmed that access was denied in line with the strike order. A similar situation played out at the NMDPRA headquarters in the Central Business District, where work completely stalled.
PENGASSAN officials confirmed full compliance with the strike. “There has been 100 per cent compliance here at NMDPRA and also at NNPCL and other agencies,” the union’s chairman at NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, told reporters.
The industrial action was triggered by the alleged unlawful dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The union accused the refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by sacking employees for joining the union and replacing them with foreigners.
In protest, PENGASSAN ordered the suspension of crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery, a move that has unsettled the energy market. Oil marketers warn that the disruption could worsen fuel scarcity, push up prices, and strain power supply, as gas flows to electricity plants may also be affected.
On Sunday, the union directed all members in government offices, companies, and field locations to down tools, with the action officially commencing at 12:01 am on Monday, September 29, 2025. Workers stationed at field sites were instructed to halt activities from 6:00 am on Sunday and to hold a continuous prayer vigil.
“All processes involving crude and gas supply to Dangote Refinery must stop immediately,” read a resolution signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa. “International Oil Companies are also directed to scale down gas production and halt supplies to Dangote Refinery and its petrochemical plants.”
With NNPCL remaining the sole importer of petrol, and NUPRC and NMDPRA regulating crude production and fuel distribution, the shutdown has heightened fears of widespread shortages.
The Minister of Labour has called an emergency meeting in a bid to end the standoff. Whether dialogue will ease tensions or plunge the country further into crisis now depends on both parties’ willingness to compromise.
