A nationwide strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) brought operations at the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and its affiliated agencies to a grinding halt on Monday.
In Abuja, major oil and gas institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NMDPRA), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), were shut down as union members locked the gates and blocked access.
> “We’re complying fully with the national directive,” a PENGASSAN official stationed at NNPC Ltd. told reporters under condition of anonymity.
“No staff, management, or visitor is allowed entry until further notice.”
Also affected were the offices of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), all of which remained inaccessible as union members enforced the strike directive, closely monitored by security personnel.
The industrial action stems from the controversial dismissal of approximately 800 workers by Dangote Refinery — individuals allegedly affiliated with the union.
PENGASSAN accused the company of engaging in anti-labour practices and discrimination against Nigerian employees, prompting intervention by the Federal Government.
> “This is about protecting our members and upholding their rights,” a senior union member said.
“We cannot fold our arms while Nigerian workers are treated unfairly on home soil.”
In response, the Dangote Refinery claimed the affected workers were terminated due to “repeated acts of sabotage,” citing serious safety and operational concerns.
In a bold move, PENGASSAN has also ordered an immediate halt to the supply of crude oil and gas to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and instructed its field workers to down tools nationwide.
The Federal Government, concerned about the ripple effects of the disruption, has stepped in. Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, has summoned both parties to a reconciliation meeting aimed at de-escalating tensions.
As the standoff continues, normalcy remains elusive across Nigeria’s oil and gas administrative offices. With crude supply now entangled in the crisis, stakeholders are watching closely.
> “This isn’t just about workers — this is about accountability in the oil and gas sector,” one observer noted. “When petroleum staff lock the gates, the whole country feels it.”
NAN
