The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has announced it will embark on a nationwide strike beginning 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025. The union directed all its members across offices, companies, institutions, and government agencies to withdraw their services until further notice.
Strike Declaration
In a communiqué issued Sunday, PENGASSAN’s national leadership said the decision followed weeks of unresolved disputes with government agencies and private oil operators. The union accused key stakeholders of showing “insensitivity and disregard for workers’ rights,” citing job insecurity, unfair labour practices, wage disparities, and the lack of proper dialogue on pressing industry concerns.
Background
The move follows earlier warnings and strike notices by the union, which had called for urgent government intervention. Disputes with the Dangote Refinery, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over crude supply contracts, and welfare issues in several International Oil Companies (IOCs) were listed among the triggers for the action.
Scope of Strike
The strike order covers upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. This includes refineries, crude oil terminals, gas plants, depots, and administrative offices—raising fears of a total shutdown of oil production, product distribution, and regulatory activities nationwide.
Economic Impact
Economists warn that the strike could worsen Nigeria’s fragile economy. Oil accounts for over 90 percent of export earnings, and disruptions could cost billions of Naira daily, weaken investor confidence, and increase pressure on the Naira.
Domestically, fuel scarcity and long queues at petrol stations are expected to re-emerge within hours of the strike. Transport costs may rise sharply, and businesses reliant on petrol, diesel, or gas could face severe disruptions.
Union’s Position
PENGASSAN’s National President stressed that the strike was a last resort:
> “We have exhausted every avenue for dialogue. Our members cannot continue to work under conditions of uncertainty, insecurity, and exploitation. The strike is a call to action for the soul of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.”
The union also warned against intimidation from government or corporate bodies, vowing to hold violators accountable.
Government Response
As of Sunday evening, there had been no official government statement. However, sources in the Ministry of Labour hinted at possible overnight talks aimed at averting the strike. Historically, strikes by PENGASSAN and its sister union, NUPENG, have forced government concessions due to their disruptive power.
Public Reaction
Reports from Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt indicate panic buying as motorists rushed to filling stations. Civil society groups urged both parties to prioritize national interest, while social media users pleaded for urgent dialogue to prevent hardship.
Historical Context
PENGASSAN has staged nationwide strikes in the past, often leading to temporary fuel shortages and export disruptions, but also to reforms and improved welfare.
Way Forward
Analysts recommend immediate, transparent negotiations, a review of crude supply policies, and stronger protections for oil workers.
Conclusion
With the strike scheduled to begin in hours, Nigeria braces for fuel scarcity, transport disruptions, and economic strain. All eyes remain on the Federal Government and PENGASSAN to see if last-minute dialogue can avert a crisis of national proportions.