The nationwide strike launched on Monday by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria disrupted operations across major oil and gas regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The strike, which stemmed from a directive issued over the weekend by the union’s National Executive Council, led members nationwide to withdraw their services, effectively shutting down vital agencies central to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, our correspondent noted that the main gate remained locked, leaving employees stranded outside. Security personnel confirmed that staff were barred from entering in strict compliance with the union’s order.
Likewise, the NMDPRA headquarters in Abuja’s Central Business District was completely shut down, as workers fully adhered to the strike.
Confirming the action, the PENGASSAN Chairman at NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, told The PUNCH that the union had secured “100 per cent compliance,” ensuring that access for staff and visitors was fully restricted. He further noted that the same level of compliance was achieved at NNPCL and other key agencies.
According to PENGASSAN, the industrial action was triggered by the alleged wrongful termination of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The union’s directive to suspend crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery has raised serious concerns in the energy industry. Oil marketers warned of looming disruptions in fuel distribution, a situation expected to strain the domestic market and drive up prices.
On Sunday, PENGASSAN declared the nationwide strike, instructing all its members in offices, companies, institutions, and agencies to stop work beginning 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025. Members stationed in field locations were directed to down tools from 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, and begin a continuous prayer vigil.
In a firm resolution signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery of breaching Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by dismissing workers for union membership. It further alleged that the sacked employees were replaced with foreign staff.
“All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the resolution stated. “All IOC (International Oil Companies) branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.”
The situation has intensified fears of looming fuel scarcity and possible blackouts. While NNPC remains the sole petrol importer, the midstream and downstream authority oversees supply and distribution, and NUPRC monitors crude production and gas supply obligations to power plants.
Attention is now focused on Monday’s emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Labour. The outcome—whether a breakthrough in dialogue or a deepening of the crisis—will depend on the readiness of both parties to find common ground.