Fuel Scarcity Looms As PENGASSAN Declares Nationwide Strike
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike, raising fears of fuel scarcity and disruptions in the oil and gas sector.
The union announced the industrial action after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Saturday, directing all members across offices, companies, institutions, and agencies to withdraw their services effective 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025.
In addition, PENGASSAN ordered its members stationed in field locations to cease operations starting 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025, and to commence a 24-hour prayer vigil.
The association explained that the prayers are intended to seek divine intervention for those in authority to compel Dangote Refinery and its partners to obey Nigerian labour laws.
The union stressed that during the strike period, no intervention will be entertained at field locations except where personnel safety and asset protection are at risk, noting that such clearance must be granted by the National Secretariat.
“All PENGASSAN members working across field locations are to withdraw services effective 06:00hrs on Sunday, 28th of September, 2025, and commence 24-hour prayers.
“This includes all control room operations, panel operations, and outfield personnel,” the union said in a statement.
It further directed members across international oil companies (IOCs) to ramp down gas production and cut supply to Dangote Refinery and its petrochemical facilities, declaring that “all processes that involve gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be let off effectively immediately.”
The strike follows the sack of over 800 workers at Dangote Refinery who were allegedly dismissed for joining the union, a move PENGASSAN described as an attack on workers’ rights and a violation of Nigeria’s labour laws.
“No man is bigger than our country. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement emphasized, insisting that the action was necessary to protect workers in the sector from intimidation and victimization.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
