JUST-IN: PENGASSAN strike grounds NNPCL, regulators as PMS scarcity looms

The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Monday crippled operations at major oil and gas regulatory institutions, 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 withdrawing their services and shutting down critical agencies that drive Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was locked, leaving employees stranded. Security operatives confirmed no staff were allowed entry. The situation was the same at the NMDPRA office in the Central Business District, where activities were completely grounded. PENGASSAN Chairman in NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, confirmed “100 per cent compliance,” adding that workers at NNPCL and other agencies also fully complied.

The union said the strike was triggered by the alleged wrongful dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. PENGASSAN further directed members to halt crude oil and gas supply to the refinery, accusing the management of violating labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by sacking union members and replacing them with foreigners.

“All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the union declared in a resolution signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa.

The strike, which began at midnight on Monday, September 29, after field workers had downed tools the previous morning, has raised fears of nationwide fuel scarcity and possible blackouts. Oil marketers warn the move could choke the domestic market, disrupt distribution, and trigger a surge in prices.

Attention now shifts to an emergency meeting called by the Minister of Labour, where efforts will be made to broker peace and prevent further escalation.