Nigerians are bracing for tougher days ahead as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) begins a nationwide strike today, threatening to trigger a double crisis of soaring fuel prices and widespread electricity blackouts.

The union has ordered an immediate halt of crude oil and gas supplies to the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a move that has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s fragile energy sector. Oil marketers have warned that the disruption will choke supply, drive up pump prices, and destabilise fuel distribution nationwide.

Adding to the chaos, power generation companies (GenCos) have announced a complete shutdown of all thermal plants, which provide over 70% of Nigeria’s electricity. The development raises the risk of a nationwide blackout and economic paralysis if the Federal Government fails to intervene.

Why the Strike Began

PENGASSAN announced the emergency action on Sunday, accusing the Dangote Refinery of illegally sacking over 800 Nigerian workers for joining the union and replacing them with foreigners.

“All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the union declared in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa.

PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo confirmed that the strike directive had already forced a total shutdown of the refinery and fertiliser plant, although the diesel facility was still running as of Sunday evening. “We will not surrender unless the affected workers are re-employed,” Osifo warned during a Channels Television interview.

Oil Marketers & Power Firms Sound Alarm

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) cautioned that the disruption could destabilise pump prices, scare investors, and worsen electricity supply.
“There is no market stability and no return on investment,” said IPMAN spokesperson Chinedu Ukadike. He warned that marketers may resort to fuel importation, triggering galloping inflation if the Federal Government does not act quickly.

Similarly, the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC) reported receiving directives from gas suppliers to shut down all thermal power plants, noting that hydro stations cannot sustain the national grid alone.
“Please all be notified of imminent darkness,” APGC’s Executive Secretary Joy Ogaji warned.

Government & Stakeholders React

Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi has summoned an emergency meeting between PENGASSAN and Dangote management, appealing to the union to withdraw the strike for dialogue.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC), however, has thrown its weight behind PENGASSAN, demanding the reinstatement of all sacked workers, a public apology, and an independent investigation into the refinery’s labour practices.

Consumer groups and industry stakeholders have urged restraint, warning that a prolonged disruption could collapse the national grid, trigger nationwide fuel scarcity, and cripple businesses and households.

Dangote Fires Back

In a swift rebuttal, Dangote Refinery accused PENGASSAN of “sabotage,” claiming that the sackings were based on safety and efficiency concerns, not anti-union discrimination.
“The Dangote Group is the highest employer of labour in Nigeria and the biggest contributor to tax revenues,” the company said, dismissing the strike as “reckless and dangerous.”