NNPC, NUPRC, NMDPRA shut as PENGASSAN begins strike

The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Monday completely paralysed operations across Nigeria’s crucial oil and gas regulatory institutions.

Members withdrew their services, effectively shutting down agencies, 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 followed a weekend directive from the union’s National Executive Council.

At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was locked, leaving employees stranded outside.

Security personnel confirmed that no staff were permitted entry due to the strike order.

Similarly, activities at the NMDPRA headquarters were entirely grounded as workers showed full compliance.

Confirming the efficacy of the action, Tony Iziogba, the PENGASSAN Chairman at NMDPRA, said the union had achieved “100 per cent compliance,” restricting access to all staff and visitors. He added that the same level of compliance had been enforced at the NNPCL and other relevant agencies.

PENGASSAN initiated the strike in response to the alleged wrongful dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The union issued a strongly worded resolution, signed by General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, accusing the refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by sacking workers for joining the union.

PENGASSAN further alleged that the dismissed workers had been replaced by foreigners.

The union’s directive to halt crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has already sent shockwaves through the energy sector.

Oil marketers are warning of severe disruptions in fuel distribution, which is expected to choke the domestic market and drive up both demand and prices.

PENGASSAN announced the nationwide strike on Sunday, instructing members in various offices, companies, and institutions to cease all services starting at 12:01 am on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Members in field locations were directed to down tools from 6:00 am on Sunday, September 28, and begin a round-the-clock prayer vigil.

“All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the resolution declared.

“All IOC (International Oil Companies) branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.”

The development has heightened fears of fuel scarcity and blackouts, as NNPC remains the sole importer of petrol while the midstream and downstream authority regulates supply and distribution. Similarly, NUPRC is responsible for monitoring crude production and enforcing gas supply obligations to power plants.