The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Monday crippled 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 directive from the union’s National Executive Council, saw members withdrawing their services across the country, effectively shutting down critical agencies that drive Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was locked, leaving employees stranded outside. Security operatives confirmed that no staff were allowed entry. Similarly, activities at the NMDPRA headquarters in the Central Business District were grounded as workers complied with the strike order.
PENGASSAN Chairman in NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, confirmed “100 per cent compliance,” noting that similar action had been enforced at NNPCL and other agencies.
The strike, according to PENGASSAN, was triggered by the alleged wrongful dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The union accused the refinery of violating labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by sacking staff for joining the union, and replacing them with foreigners.
In response, the union directed members to halt crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery, raising fears of disruptions in fuel distribution. Oil marketers have already warned that the move could trigger scarcity and higher prices.
“All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” PENGASSAN declared in a resolution signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa.
ALSO READ: ‘This is sabotage,’ Netizens berate PENGASSAN’s decision to cut gas supply to Dangote Refinery
The development has heightened concerns over potential blackouts and fuel shortages, as NNPCL remains the sole importer of petrol, while NUPRC and NMDPRA regulate crude production and distribution.
An emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Labour is expected to hold on Monday in a bid to resolve the crisis.