Nationwide Strike Looms: Nigerians Brace for Fuel Hikes, Power Blackouts as PENGASSAN Confronts Dangote Refinery
Nigerians may face tougher days ahead as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) begins a nationwide strike today (Monday), a move that threatens to trigger both a surge in petrol prices and widespread power outages.
The union’s directive to halt crude oil and gas supply to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has rattled the energy sector, with oil marketers warning of severe fuel distribution disruptions that could tighten supply and push up pump prices.
The crisis deepened after power generation companies (GenCos) announced plans to shut down all thermal plants—facilities that account for more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s electricity supply. A prolonged shutdown could plunge the nation into darkness, cripple industries, and intensify hardship for households and businesses unless the Federal Government steps in.
PENGASSAN declared the strike on Sunday, ordering members across offices, institutions, and agencies nationwide to stop work from 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025. The union also directed field workers to down tools from Sunday morning and begin a 24-hour prayer vigil.
The emergency action followed the dismissal of more than 800 Nigerian workers at the Dangote Refinery. In a statement signed by General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, PENGASSAN accused the company of violating labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by sacking union members and replacing them with foreigners.
“All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the union said, directing International Oil Companies (IOCs) to cut gas production and supply to the facility.
PENGASSAN further alleged that military personnel were deployed to block its members from cutting gas supplies. Speaking on Channels Television, union president Festus Osifo confirmed that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, had summoned both parties to an emergency meeting scheduled for Monday.
Osifo said the strike had already shut down the refinery and fertiliser plant, though the diesel facility remained operational as of Sunday evening. He vowed that the union would not back down unless all dismissed workers were reinstated.
Marketers, GenCos Raise Alarm
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) warned that the disruption could destabilise fuel prices, discourage investment, and worsen Nigeria’s fragile power supply.
“Stopping crude and gas supply to the refinery will inevitably lead to fuel price hikes and deepen power shortages,” IPMAN spokesperson Chinedu Ukadike said. He urged the Minister of Petroleum to cut short his foreign trip and return immediately to address the crisis.
Similarly, the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC) warned of imminent nationwide blackouts. Executive Secretary Joy Ogaji said gas suppliers had instructed thermal plants to shut down, leaving hydro stations overstretched and increasing the risk of system collapse.
Reactions Divide Stakeholders
Consumer groups, under the Forum of Concerned Nigerian Consumers, accused PENGASSAN of politicising the energy sector and warned that the strike could destabilise the economy. Forum president Olabisi Taiwo urged government intervention, describing the union’s action as “desperate attempts” to undermine the $20 billion refinery.
The Nigerian Independent System Operator also expressed concern, warning that any sustained disruption in gas supply could jeopardise grid stability.
On the other hand, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) backed PENGASSAN, accusing Dangote Refinery of trampling on workers’ rights. TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro demanded reinstatement of the sacked employees, a public apology, and an independent probe.
Dangote Fires Back
The Dangote Group condemned PENGASSAN’s action, describing it as “reckless, lawless, and dangerous.” The company said the layoffs were based on safety and efficiency concerns, not anti-union victimisation, stressing that over 3,000 Nigerians remain employed at the refinery.
“Dangote Group is Nigeria’s largest private employer and a major contributor to tax revenues,” the company stated. “PENGASSAN should publish its audited accounts and show its contributions to national development.”
A Critical Test Ahead
With the refinery and fertiliser plant shut, thermal power stations idle, and marketers warning of scarcity, the strike presents a major test for Nigeria’s economy and the Federal Government’s crisis management. Analysts warn that prolonged industrial action could fuel inflation, trigger blackouts, and destabilise energy markets.
All eyes are now on Monday’s meeting convened by the Minister of Labour. Whether the talks yield compromise—or push Nigeria deeper into crisis—remains to be seen.
