The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has declared a nationwide strike, directing all its members in offices, companies, institutions, and agencies across the country to withdraw services from 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025.
In a communique issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the union also instructed members working in various field locations to down tools earlier, from 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025, while commencing a 24-hour prayer vigil.
The NEC resolution states:
- “All PENGASSAN members working across field locations are to withdraw services effective 06:00hrs on Sunday, 28th September 2025, and commence round-the-clock prayers. This includes all control room operations, panel operations, and outfield personnel.
- All PENGASSAN members across offices, companies, institutions, and agencies should withdraw services effective 00:01hrs on Monday, 29th September 2025.
- No intervention whatsoever will be entertained across field locations except where the safety of personnel and assets is at risk, and such clearance must be obtained from the National Secretariat.
- All processes that involve gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery are to be suspended with immediate effect.
- All IOC branches must ramp down gas production and suspend supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemical facilities.
The NEC also urged members to commit to prayers, declaring: “Our prayer point should include a call on Almighty God to give courage to those in authority to rein in Dangote and his co-travelers on the need to obey the laws of our country. No man is bigger than our country. An injury to one is an injury to all.”
Possible Implications
The strike directive could have far-reaching consequences for Nigerians:
- Fuel supply disruptions: With crude oil and gas supply halted, refineries and depots may run short, likely leading to fuel scarcity and long queues at filling stations.
- Power generation setbacks: Gas supply suspension to power plants could trigger blackouts, worsening electricity availability across the country.
- Economic impact: Industries reliant on petroleum products and gas, including transport, manufacturing, and petrochemicals, may face downtime and rising operational costs.
- Rising hardship for households: Higher transport fares, limited fuel supply, and unstable power could further squeeze Nigerians already grappling with inflation and high cost of living.
