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 It claimed that the terminated staff had been replaced by foreigners.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.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
