The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Monday crippled operations at major 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 directive by the union’s National Executive Council, saw members across the country withdraw their services, effectively shutting down critical agencies that drive Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, our correspondent observed that the main gate was locked, leaving employees stranded outside. Security operatives confirmed that no staff were allowed entry in line with the union’s directive. Similarly, activities at the NMDPRA office in the Central Business District were completely grounded.
Confirming the situation, PENGASSAN Chairman in NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, told The PUNCH that there was “100 per cent compliance” with the strike, a stance also enforced at NNPCL and other agencies.
The union said the strike became inevitable following the alleged wrongful dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, accusing the company of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by sacking workers who joined the union. It alleged the dismissed staff were replaced by foreigners.
In a strongly worded resolution signed by General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, PENGASSAN directed that all crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Refinery be halted immediately, warning International Oil Companies (IOCs) to scale down production and suspend supply to the refinery.
The union’s directive has sent shockwaves through the energy sector, with marketers warning of severe disruptions in fuel distribution that could worsen scarcity and drive up prices.
On Sunday, the association had announced the nationwide action, ordering members in offices, companies, and field locations to cease services from 12:01 am on Monday, September 29, 2025, and commence a round-the-clock prayer vigil from the previous day.
The crisis now shifts to Abuja, where the Minister of Labour has convened an emergency meeting. Whether dialogue can defuse tensions or Nigeria plunges deeper into fuel shortages and power supply disruptions may hinge on the willingness of both sides to compromise.
