BREAKING: NNPC, NUPRC, NMDPRA SHUT AS PENGASSAN BEGINS STRIKE
Read Time:2 Minute, 28 Second
By Sunmisola Shodayo
The nationwide cessation of work initiated by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria on Monday halted operations at pivotal oil and gas regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
This industrial action, prompted by the weekend resolution from the union’s National Executive Council, witnessed members across the nation withdrawing their services, effectively immobilizing essential agencies that underpin Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Our correspondent noted that at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the primary entrance was securely locked, leaving numerous employees stranded outside the premises. Security personnel on duty confirmed that no staff were permitted entry, adhering to the strike directive issued by the union.
In a similar vein, operations at the NMDPRA headquarters in the bustling Central Business District were entirely stalled as workers fully complied with the industrial action.
Confirming the situation, the PENGASSAN Chairman at NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, informed The PUNCH that the union had achieved “100 percent compliance,” effectively barring access to staff and visitors.
He further stated that his colleagues had also enforced full compliance at the NNPCL and other pertinent agencies.
PENGASSAN stated that the strike became unavoidable following the alleged unjust termination of approximately 800 employees at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The union’s directive to cease crude oil and gas deliveries to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reverberated through the energy sector, with oil marketers cautioning of significant disruptions in fuel distribution. This action is anticipated to constrict the domestic market, escalating demand and prices.
On Sunday, PENGASSAN proclaimed a nationwide strike, instructing all its members across various offices, companies, institutions, and agencies to halt all services commencing at 12:01 am on Monday, September 29, 2025.
The union also directed members stationed in different field locations to cease work from 6:00 am on Sunday, September 28, and initiate a continuous prayer vigil.
In a resolute statement signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery of breaching Nigerian labor laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by dismissing workers who joined the union. It alleged that the terminated employees had been replaced by foreign personnel.
“All process involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be suspended immediately,” the statement asserted. “All IOC (International Oil Companies) branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.”
This situation has intensified apprehensions regarding fuel shortages and power outages, as NNPC remains the sole importer of petrol while the midstream and downstream authority regulates supply and distribution. Concurrently, NUPRC is tasked with overseeing crude production and enforcing gas supply commitments to power facilities.
All attention is now directed towards the emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Labour on Monday. The possibility of dialogue restoring stability or Nigeria plunging further into crisis may hinge on the willingness of both parties to reach a compromise.
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