PENGASSAN’s nationwide strike has shut down Dangote Refinery and thermal power plants, raising fears of fuel scarcity, blackouts, and inflation.
Nigeria faces a major energy crisis as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) commenced a nationwide strike on Monday, halting crude oil and gas supply to the Dangote Refinery and thermal power plants.
The strike, sparked by the dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers at the refinery, has raised fears of fuel price hikes, blackouts, and economic disruption.
PENGASSAN accused Dangote of violating labour laws by sacking workers who joined the union and replacing them with foreigners. “All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the union declared. Its president, Festus Osifo, insisted, “We will not surrender unless the affected workers are re-employed by Dangote.”
Marketers warned that the disruption could destabilise fuel distribution and trigger “unnecessary galloping inflation.” Power generation companies also confirmed shutdowns, with thermal plants—responsible for 70% of electricity—already going offline.
While the Trade Union Congress backed PENGASSAN, Dangote described the strike as “reckless, lawless and dangerous,” accusing the union of sabotage.
The Federal Government has called an emergency meeting in Abuja, urging both parties to resolve the crisis before it plunges the nation into deeper hardship.