The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has launched a nationwide strike, effectively paralyzing operations at key oil and gas regulatory bodies, 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).
This industrial action, which commenced on September 29, 2025, follows a directive from the union’s National Executive Council and has resulted in a complete shutdown of critical agencies within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. At NUPRC’s headquarters in Abuja, security personnel confirmed that access to the premises was restricted, leaving many employees stranded outside.
PENGASSAN’s strike was prompted by the alleged wrongful termination of about 800 workers at Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The union accuses the refinery of violating Nigerian labor laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by dismissing workers linked to the union and replacing them with foreign workers.
The union’s resolution included halting all crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Refinery, raising concerns about potential fuel shortages and disruptions in fuel distribution. Oil marketers have warned that this could lead to increased demand and prices in the domestic market.
In a resolution signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, the union emphasized the need for immediate action against the refinery’s practices. An emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Labour aims to address the situation, as both sides seek a resolution to prevent further escalation.
The outcome of this meeting will be crucial in determining whether the situation can be resolved amicably or if Nigeria will face deeper crises in its energy sector.
