PENGASSAN Strike Shuts Down Key Oil Regulators, Threatens Fuel Supply

The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Monday has crippled operations at major oil and gas regulatory agencies, 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 by the union’s National Executive Council, saw members across the country withdraw their services, effectively shutting down critical institutions that drive Nigeria’s energy sector.

At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was locked, leaving employees stranded outside. Security operatives confirmed that access was denied to all staff in line with the strike order. A similar situation was observed at the NMDPRA headquarters in the Central Business District, where activities were completely grounded.

Confirming the development, PENGASSAN Chairman at NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, said the union had achieved “100 per cent compliance,” adding that the same level of enforcement was recorded at NNPCL and other agencies.

The strike was triggered by the alleged unlawful dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. PENGASSAN accused the refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by sacking workers for joining the union and replacing them with foreigners.

In a resolution signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union directed members to halt all crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Refinery and ordered International Oil Companies to ramp down production.

The development has raised fears of nationwide fuel scarcity and possible power outages, as the NNPCL remains Nigeria’s sole petrol importer while NUPRC and NMDPRA oversee crude production, gas supply, and distribution.

An emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Labour is expected to hold Monday to broker peace. The outcome could determine whether the crisis is resolved swiftly or spirals into a deeper disruption of Nigeria’s energy sector.