The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has announced an indefinite nationwide strike, directing all members across offices, companies, institutions, and agencies to withdraw services starting at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025.
The action, described as a stand against unfair labor practices, threatens to disrupt Nigeria's oil and gas operations, including crude and gas supplies to the Dangote Refinery, potentially leading to fuel scarcity across the country.
The strike decision follows an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, where PENGASSAN accused the $20 billion Dangote Refinery of unlawfully sacking over 800 Nigerian workers for joining the union.
In a circular signed by General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, the union alleged that the dismissals, which began with a refinery letter dated September 24, 2025, citing "alleged sabotage," violate Nigeria's labor laws, the Constitution, and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
PENGASSAN further claimed the refinery replaced the sacked Nigerians with over 2,000 foreign workers, primarily Indians, labeling it an "affront to all workers in Nigeria" and "enslavement of Nigerian workers."
To escalate pressure, the NEC instructed members in field locations—including control room operations, panel operations, and outfield personnel—to down tools from 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025, and commence a round-the-clock prayer vigil.
The vigil, the union said, is a spiritual call for authorities to "rein in Dangote and his co-travelers" and enforce compliance with national laws.
PENGASSAN also ordered International Oil Companies (IOCs) to immediately cut off crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery and its petrochemical facilities, while scaling down production nationwide.
During the strike, no interventions will be permitted in field locations except for safety risks to personnel or assets, requiring clearance from the National Secretariat.
"An injury to one is an injury to all," the NEC declared, vowing the action will continue until the sacked workers are reinstated and justice is served.
The union urged labor bodies, government agencies, and stakeholders to intervene, framing the dispute as a matter of "urgent national importance" that could undermine Nigeria's energy security.
Dangote Refinery has vehemently denied the mass sack allegations, insisting the move was an internal reorganization to boost efficiency and that the majority of its workforce remains Nigerian.
In a sharp rebuke, the refinery described PENGASSAN's strike as "criminal, lawless, reckless, and irresponsible," accusing it of economic sabotage against the Nigerian state and calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to intervene.
The escalation comes amid ongoing tensions, including an earlier directive from PENGASSAN on Friday to halt gas supplies via the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC).
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