The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria on Monday has paralysed operations at key oil and gas regulatory institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The industrial action, which followed a weekend directive by the union’s National Executive Council, saw members across the country withdrawing their services, 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 several employees stranded outside. Security operatives confirmed that no staff were allowed entry, in line with the union’s directive. Similarly, activities at the NMDPRA headquarters in the Central Business District were completely grounded as workers fully complied with the strike.
Confirming the situation, the PENGASSAN Chairman in NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, said the union had achieved “100 per cent compliance,” restricting access to staff and visitors. He added that colleagues had also enforced full compliance at the NNPCL and other relevant agencies.
According to PENGASSAN, the strike became inevitable after the alleged wrongful dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The union further instructed members to halt crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery, a move that oil marketers warn could severely disrupt fuel distribution and drive up prices.
On Sunday, the union announced the strike, ordering members in various offices, companies, institutions, and agencies to cease services from 12:01 am on Monday, while those stationed in field locations were told to down tools from 6:00 am on Sunday. A round-the-clock prayer vigil was also declared.
In a resolution signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, PENGASSAN accused the refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by sacking workers for union membership and replacing them with foreigners.
“All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the resolution stated. “All International Oil Companies must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.”
The development has heightened fears of fuel scarcity and blackouts, as NNPC remains the sole importer of petrol, while NUPRC monitors crude production and enforces gas supply obligations to power plants.
An emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Labour is expected to happen on Monday.
