PENGASSAN declare nationwide strike, orders total shutdown Monday

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has directed its members across the country to withdraw their services following the alleged mass dismissal of Nigerian workers at the Dangote Refinery.

In a circular issued after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Saturday, September 27, 2025, and signed by General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery of violating Nigeria’s labour laws, the Constitution, and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions by sacking workers for joining the association.

According to PENGASSAN, the refinery replaced the dismissed staff with “over 2,000 Indians,” a move it described as “an affront to all workers in Nigeria.”

The union directed members in field locations to down tools beginning from 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025, while members across offices, companies, institutions, and agencies are to commence a total shutdown from 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025.

“All PENGASSAN members working across field locations are to withdraw services effective 06:00hrs on Sunday, 28th September 2025 and commence 24-hour prayers. This includes all control room operations, panel operations, and outfield personnel,” the circular read.

It further stated that no intervention would be allowed across field locations except for safety purposes, and clearance must be obtained from the National Secretariat. The union also directed that gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be cut off immediately, while international oil companies were ordered to ramp down production and supply to the facility.

As part of the protest, PENGASSAN announced a 24-hour prayer vigil nationwide and vowed that the strike would continue until the dismissed workers are reinstated.

“An injury to one is an injury to all. No man is bigger than our country,” the circular added.

The development comes amid ongoing tensions between Dangote Refinery and labour unions, including NUPENG, over workers’ rights and safety standards.