The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has embarked on a nationwide strike, effectively crippling activities at major oil and gas institutions in the country. The strike, which commenced on Monday, has resulted in a complete withdrawal of services by members across the nation, forcing critical regulatory agencies to shut down operations.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, are among the institutions affected by the strike. At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was locked, and staff were unable to gain entry, with security personnel confirming that the facility had been sealed off in compliance with the strike order.
Similarly, the NMDPRA headquarters in Abuja’s Central Business District witnessed a total shutdown, with staff adhering strictly to the directive. PENGASSAN Chairman at NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, confirmed that the exercise had recorded “100 per cent compliance,” with both staff and visitors denied entry. The same level of compliance was reportedly achieved at the NNPCL and other agencies.
The strike was triggered by the alleged unlawful termination of about 800 employees at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The union has accused the refinery of violating Nigerian labor laws and International Labour Organisation standards by sacking workers for union membership and replacing them with expatriates. In response, PENGASSAN has directed its members to halt the supply of crude oil and natural gas to the refinery, a decision that has sent jitters across the energy sector.
Marketers have warned of potential disruptions in product distribution, which could lead to increased fuel prices and worsened scarcity. The union’s resolution, signed by General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, called for all processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery to be halted immediately. Additionally, all International Oil Companies branches were instructed to ramp down gas production and supply to the refinery and petrochemicals.
The strike is a significant development in the Nigerian energy sector, with potential implications for the country’s economy. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the dispute will be resolved and what impact it will have on the nation’s oil and gas industry. With the strike already causing disruptions, stakeholders are eagerly awaiting a resolution to the crisis.
