PENGASSAN Strike Grounds NNPC, NUPRC, NMDPRA Operations
The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Monday has crippled activities at major oil and gas regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The industrial action, which took effect following a directive from the union’s National Executive Council, forced members across the country to withdraw their services, shutting down critical agencies that oversee the petroleum sector.
At NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate remained locked, leaving workers stranded outside, while security personnel confirmed that entry was barred in line with the strike order. A similar situation was recorded at the NMDPRA head office in the Central Business District, where operations were completely halted.
Tony Iziogba, PENGASSAN Chairman at NMDPRA, confirmed “100 per cent compliance” with the directive, noting that the same was achieved at NNPC and other key institutions.
The strike was triggered by the alleged 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 staff who joined the union and replacing them with foreign workers.
In its resolution, signed by General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, the union directed members to suspend crude oil and gas supply to the refinery, a move that industry stakeholders warn could disrupt fuel distribution, increase demand pressure, and drive up prices.
The strike commenced at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 29, while members in field locations had been instructed to down tools a day earlier and begin a continuous prayer vigil.
The action has raised concerns over looming fuel scarcity and possible power shortages, as NNPC remains Nigeria’s sole importer of petrol, while NUPRC and NMDPRA regulate crude production, gas supply, and product distribution.
The Minister of Labour has convened an emergency meeting for Monday in a bid to resolve the crisis. Whether negotiations will calm tensions or deepen disruptions in the energy sector remains uncertain.
