BREAKING: NNPC, NUPRC, NMDPRA Shut As PENGASSAN Begins Strike [DETAILS]
The nationwide strike initiated by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Monday has disrupted operations at major regulatory bodies in the oil and gas sector. Affected institutions include the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The industrial action follows a directive issued over the weekend by the union’s National Executive Council. Workers across the country withdrew their services, leading to the closure of essential regulatory institutions that oversee Nigeria’s oil and gas operations.
At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main entrance was locked, preventing staff from accessing the facility. Security personnel on site confirmed that the restriction was in compliance with PENGASSAN’s directive.
Similarly, all activities at the NMDPRA headquarters in Abuja’s Central Business District were brought to a halt, with full participation from employees.
PENGASSAN’s Chairman at NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, confirmed that there was total compliance with the strike action. He stated that similar enforcement had taken place at the NNPC and other related institutions.
According to the union, the industrial action was prompted by the alleged wrongful termination of approximately 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
PENGASSAN has ordered a halt to crude oil and gas deliveries to the Dangote Refinery. Oil marketers have expressed concern that the action could severely disrupt fuel distribution, potentially triggering shortages and price increases in the domestic market.
In a statement released on Sunday, the union instructed all its members across offices, companies, and regulatory bodies to cease operations starting from 12:01 am on Monday, September 29, 2025.
Members stationed at field locations were directed to begin the strike earlier, from 6:00 am on Sunday, September 28. A continuous prayer vigil was also initiated by the union as part of the protest action.
In a resolution signed by PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the Dangote Refinery of violating labour laws and international conventions. It claims the affected workers were dismissed for joining the union and subsequently replaced with foreign personnel.
The union further instructed International Oil Companies (IOCs) to scale down gas production and suspend supply to the Dangote Refinery and its associated petrochemical operations.
The shutdown of NNPC and regulatory bodies like NUPRC and NMDPRA has raised fears of a looming fuel shortage and power supply disruptions. NNPC remains the country’s sole petrol importer, while NUPRC is responsible for gas supply to power plants.
An emergency meeting has been scheduled by the Minister of Labour in a bid to resolve the crisis. The outcome of this meeting could determine whether the situation is defused or escalates further.
