NIGERIA is facing a looming energy and electricity crisis as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike, following a rift with Dangote Refinery over the dismissal of hundreds of workers.
News Point Nigeria reports that the industrial action, which began on Sunday, September 28, 2025, has already halted operations at key oil and gas facilities and may soon plunge the country into widespread blackout, as gas-powered power plants shut down operations in compliance with the union’s directive.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, PENGASSAN directed all members working in control rooms, panels, and field operations to withdraw services beginning 6:00 a.m. on Sunday. The order was extended to members in offices, companies, and government agencies nationwide from 12:01 a.m. on Monday.
“All IOC branches must ramp down gas production and suspend supply to Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals,” the statement read. The union also ordered its members to halt crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery, accusing the management of unfair labour practices.
The strike was triggered by the Dangote Refinery’s dismissal of over 800 employees, which the company described as a “reorganisation exercise.”
While management insisted only a small number were affected, PENGASSAN rejected the move as unjust and called for the immediate reinstatement of the sacked Nigerian staff.
In an unusual step, PENGASSAN directed members to observe a 24-hour prayer session, urging divine intervention. “We pray for courage for those in authority to rein in Dangote and his associates to respect the laws of our country,” Okugbawa said.
The union also clarified that no activities would be permitted at affected sites except those related to personnel safety or asset protection and only with approval from the national secretariat.
The strike’s impact quickly spread beyond the oil and gas sector into electricity generation. Nigeria’s power grid, which relies on thermal plants for 75 percent of its supply, is at risk after gas suppliers informed power companies to shut down operations.
Chairman of the Association of Power Generating Companies (APGC), Joy Ogaji, confirmed the looming crisis in a message to operators. “Thermal GenCos have received notification from our gas suppliers to shut down our thermal power plants following directives from PENGASSAN.
“Please all be notified of the imminent darkness as hydros alone cannot sustain the grid,” she warned.
Reacting to the shutdown order, Dangote Refinery accused PENGASSAN of attempting to sabotage Nigeria’s energy supply chain.
The company insisted its restructuring was necessary for operational efficiency, adding that “the union’s directive to cut crude oil and gas flows to the plant is an act of economic sabotage.”
With tensions escalating, pressure is mounting on the federal government to mediate between Dangote and PENGASSAN to avert a full-blown national crisis.