Fuel Scarcity Looms as PENGASSAN Begins Strike 

Fuel Scarcity Looms as PENGASSAN Begins Strike 

Concerns over a looming fuel scarcity have intensified following a nationwide strike embarked up by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

The industrial action, which began Monday, has crippled operations at major oil and gas regulatory bodies, 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 strike, initiated by a directive from PENGASSAN’s National Executive Council over the weekend, led to a mass withdrawal of services by union members across the country, effectively shutting down key institutions that underpin Nigeria’s energy sector.

At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main entrance was locked, leaving employees stranded. Security personnel confirmed that no staff were permitted entry, in strict adherence to the union’s directive. Similarly, operations at the NMDPRA office in the Central Business District were completely halted, with full compliance reported by workers.

Tony Iziogba, PENGASSAN Chairman at NMDPRA, confirmed that the strike had achieved “100 per cent compliance,” not only at NMDPRA but also at NNPCL and other relevant agencies.

The strike was triggered by the alleged unlawful termination of approximately 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. In response, PENGASSAN ordered an immediate suspension of crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery, a move that has sent shockwaves through the energy market. Oil marketers have warned of significant disruptions in fuel distribution, which could strain domestic supply and drive up prices.

PENGASSAN’s nationwide directive instructed members in all affiliated offices, companies, and agencies to cease operations starting at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025. Field personnel were told to down tools from 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, and begin a continuous prayer vigil.

In a strongly worded resolution signed by 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 and replacing them with foreign nationals.

“All crude and gas supply operations to Dangote Refinery must be halted immediately,” the resolution stated. “All International Oil Companies (IOCs) are directed to scale down gas production and suspend supply to Dangote Refinery and its petrochemical units.”

This escalation has deepened concerns over fuel shortages and potential power outages, given NNPCL’s role as the sole petrol importer and the regulatory responsibilities of NMDPRA and NUPRC in supply and production oversight.

Attention now turns to an emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Labour on Monday. The outcome may hinge on both parties’ willingness to negotiate and avert a broader crisis.