Unionism dispute: PENGASSAN’s industrial action distrupts NNPCL, NUPRC, NMDPRA operations nationwide
The operations in the key 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) have been paralysed, following the nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Monday, September 29, 2025.
According to PUNCH, the industrial action, was followed by the weekend’s directive of the union’s National Executive Council, where union members across the country were ordered to withdraw their services, and shutdown critical agencies that drive Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The union said the strike was triggered by the alleged dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, accusing the company of violating labour laws and ILO conventions. It further claimed that the workers were replaced by foreigners.
At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was locked, leaving several employees stranded outside. Security operatives confirmed that no staff were allowed in, in line with the strike directive.
Similarly, activities at the NMDPRA headquarters in the Central Business District were grounded, with workers fully complying.
PENGASSAN Chairman in NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, told The PUNCH that the union achieved “100 per cent compliance,” restricting access to staff and visitors. He added that his colleagues at NNPCL and other agencies also complied fully.
In a circular signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the NEC ordered all crude oil and gas supplies to Dangote Refinery halted immediately. “All IOC branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals,” it stated.
Oil marketers have since warned of severe disruptions in fuel distribution, with fears of scarcity and price hikes rising. Observers also caution that electricity supply could be threatened if gas deliveries to power plants are affected.
The Minister of Labour has convened an emergency meeting to address the crisis. Whether dialogue can calm tensions or whether the country sinks deeper into energy chaos will depend on the willingness of both sides to compromise.
Source: PUNCH
