Nigeria’s oil and gas industry has been thrown into its biggest disruption in years as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) began a nationwide strike on Monday, shutting down the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
By mid-morning, gates of NUPRC headquarters in Abuja were locked, leaving workers stranded outside. The once-bustling NMDPRA offices in the Central Business District also lay silent, as security officials confirmed “no entry” under union orders.
“We have achieved 100 per cent compliance here and across other key agencies, including NNPC,” said Tony Iziogba, PENGASSAN chairman at NMDPRA.
The strike was triggered by the alleged dismissal of more than 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. PENGASSAN accuses the refinery of sacking employees for joining the union and replacing them with foreigners — a move it says violates Nigerian labour laws and international conventions.
“All crude oil and gas supply to Dangote Refinery must stop immediately,” the union ordered in a strongly worded resolution, instructing international oil companies to halt deliveries.
Oil marketers warn that halting crude and gas flows could spark fuel shortages and price hikes within days. Analysts also say gas supply cuts will hit power plants, raising the risk of blackouts.
The shutdown is especially critical as NNPC remains Nigeria’s sole importer of petrol, NMDPRA regulates supply and distribution and NUPRC oversees crude and gas production.
With all three crippled, Nigeria’s fragile energy balance is on edge.
The Minister of Labour has called an emergency meeting today, hoping to broker peace. But with both sides digging in — Dangote Group facing accusations of anti-labour practices, and PENGASSAN insisting on reinstatement of sacked workers — the standoff could escalate into a full-blown national crisis.
For now, the gates are locked, the oil sector is silent, and Nigeria holds its breath.