Nigeria is facing a potential nationwide blackout due to a dispute between Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). The Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company has issued a notification to comply with PENGASSAN’s directive to cut gas supplies, which could lead to the shutdown of the country’s thermal power generating companies (GenCos).
The Executive Secretary of the Association of Power Generating Companies, Joy Ogaji, confirmed the development, stating that the move would result in imminent darkness in the country. According to her, hydro generation plants alone cannot sustain the national grid, and the situation is being monitored to see if the federal government will intervene.
The dispute arose after Dangote Refinery sacked workers for voluntarily belonging to PENGASSAN. In response, PENGASSAN announced a nationwide strike and called on members to cut gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery until the sacked workers are recalled. The union confirmed that members complied with the directive on Sunday.
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has also indicated its support for PENGASSAN’s actions, with plans to join the nationwide strike. Dangote Refinery has described the move as “bully and terror tactics” by the union. The Minister of Labour, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, and the Ministry of Finance have called for dialogue between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery, with a meeting scheduled for Monday to resolve the feud.
The Nigerian government has assured citizens of petroleum product stability despite the dispute. The situation is being closely monitored, and the outcome of the meeting between the parties involved will be crucial in determining the next steps. The potential blackout could have significant implications for the country’s economy and daily life, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution to the dispute.
The incident highlights the complex relationships between labor unions, companies, and the government in Nigeria’s energy sector. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the parties involved will work towards a resolution, and what impact it will have on the country’s energy supply and overall economy.
