The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has launched an indefinite nationwide strike, directing members to halt all work from September 29, 2025.
The action protests the alleged unfair dismissal of over 800 Nigerian employees at Dangote Refinery for union membership.
Emergency Meeting Outcome
Following an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on September 27, 2025, PENGASSAN General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa issued the directive.
The union claims the refinery breached labor laws, the Constitution, and ILO conventions by firing workers for joining PENGASSAN and replacing them with over 2,000 foreign staff, mostly Indians.
Strike Instructions
The circular orders field workers to stop services from 6:00 a.m. on September 28, 2025, and a full shutdown of offices, companies, and agencies from 12:01 a.m. on September 29.
It demands immediate cutoffs of gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals. International Oil Companies (IOCs) must scale down production to the facility.
Prayer Vigils
PENGASSAN called for 24-hour prayer vigils, seeking government intervention to reinstate workers. “An injury to one is an injury to all,” the union said, vowing to continue until the sacked employees return.
Refinery’s Response
Dangote Refinery denied mass layoffs, calling the union’s claims “exaggerated.” Management said the action was an internal reorganization for efficiency, with most workers remaining Nigerian.
They labeled the strike “economic sabotage” and urged the government and security agencies to intervene, warning of fuel shortages.
Labor Dispute History
The clash follows earlier tensions with NUPENG over unionization. Dangote secured a seven-day injunction in early September 2025 to halt strikes.
PENGASSAN’s move escalates the conflict, risking disruptions to Nigeria’s oil supply chain.
Industry Impact
If enforced, the strike could halt refinery operations, affecting petrol, diesel, kerosene, cooking gas, and aviation fuel supplies.
This threatens Nigeria’s energy independence and could cause widespread hardship.
Government Call
PENGASSAN appealed to the Federal Government, labor unions, and stakeholders for urgent action, describing the issue as a “national emergency.”
What’s Next
The strike’s success depends on member compliance. With Dangote’s denial and calls for intervention, negotiations may resume soon to avoid a full crisis in the sector.
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