The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Monday paralyzed 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 mandate from the union’s National Executive Council, saw members across the country withdraw their services, effectively closing down crucial agencies that drive Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Our correspondent reported that the main gate at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja was securely shut, leaving several staff trapped outside the building.
Security personnel on duty confirmed that no employees were permitted to enter, in accordance with the union’s strike instructions.
Similarly, activities at the NMDPRA offices in the busy Central Business District were completely halted as employees fully cooperated with the industrial action.
PENGASSAN Chairman in NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, confirmed the development, that the union had secured “100 percent compliance,” thereby banning access to staff and visitors.
He stated that his colleagues had also ensured complete compliance at the NNPCL and other relevant organizations.
PENGASSAN stated that the strike was unavoidable following the alleged unfair firing of over 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The union’s decision to suspend crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has sent shockwaves through the energy sector, with oil marketers warning of significant disruptions in gasoline distribution. This action is expected to choke the local market, increasing demand and prices.
On Sunday, PENGASSAN declared a statewide strike, urging all of its members in various offices, enterprises, institutions, and agencies to suspend all services beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025.
The union also asked members stationed in various field sites to stop working at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, and begin a round-the-clock prayer vigil.
In a resolution signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery of breaking Nigerian labor laws and International Labour Organization norms by firing workers who joined the union. It claimed that the terminated staff had been replaced by foreigners.
“All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the resolution declared.
“All IOC (International Oil Companies) branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.”
The development has heightened concerns about gasoline scarcity and blackouts, as the NNPC remains the sole petrol importer, while the midstream and downstream authorities manage supply and distribution.
Similarly, NUPRC oversees crude production and enforces gas supply commitments to power stations.
All eyes are now on Monday’s emergency meeting called by the Minister of Labour. Whether dialogue can restore calm or Nigeria plunges deeper into crisis may be determined by both parties’ willingness to compromise.
