Joy Yesufu, Abuja
The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Monday has crippled operations at key oil and gas regulatory institutions, 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 strike, which followed a weekend directive by the union’s National Executive Council, saw members across the country withdraw their services, effectively shutting down critical agencies that power Nigeria’s energy sector.
At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was locked, leaving workers stranded outside.
Security operatives confirmed that staff were barred from entry in line with the strike directive.
Similarly, activities at the NMDPRA headquarters in the Central Business District were completely grounded.
The industrial action was triggered by the alleged dismissal of about 800 Nigerian workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery after they joined the union.
PENGASSAN accused the refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions, alleging that dismissed staff were replaced with foreigners from India.
In a resolution signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union directed all members to halt crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Refinery. “All IOC branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals,” the resolution read.
The union also instructed members in field locations to down tools from Sunday, September 28, and commence a round-the-clock prayer vigil.
The shutdown has heightened fears of nationwide fuel scarcity and power blackouts, as NNPC remains the sole importer of petrol, while NUPRC and NMDPRA regulate crude production and fuel distribution.
All eyes are now on the emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Labour to resolve the crisis.
Analysts warn that the outcome could determine whether the attempt at resolution would restore calm or whether Nigeria slides deeper into an energy crisis.
