PENGASSAN Declares Nationwide Strike Over Dangote Refinery Sackings

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has officially declared a nationwide strike, halting operations across the country’s vital oil and gas sector. The decision, announced after the Association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Saturday, is in response to the mass sacking of over 800 workers by Dangote Refinery for allegedly joining the union.

According to the statement, the industrial action will begin in phases. Members working in field locations are required to withdraw services starting from 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025, while all other members in offices, companies, institutions, and agencies are instructed to stop work from 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025.

The NEC emphasized that during the strike period, all forms of operations — including control room duties, panel operations, and outfield activities — must cease. The only exception permitted will be situations that directly affect the safety of personnel and critical assets, which must be cleared by the Association’s National Secretariat.

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PENGASSAN’s Position on Dangote Refinery

PENGASSAN has accused Dangote Refinery of undermining labor rights by terminating hundreds of employees due to their involvement in union activities. The association described the action as unlawful, urging the federal government to intervene and enforce compliance with Nigeria’s labor laws.

“All processes that involve gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be let off effectively immediately,” the statement noted. It further directed International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria to scale down gas production and halt supply to the Dangote Refinery and its petrochemical units.

The association also introduced an unusual element into the strike action — a nationwide prayer vigil. Beginning Sunday morning, members stationed at field locations will engage in 24-hour prayers, seeking divine intervention for those in authority to act decisively. PENGASSAN explained that the prayer session is aimed at compelling leaders to rein in Dangote and other actors allegedly violating workers’ rights.

“No man is bigger than our country,” the statement added. “An injury to one is an injury to all.”

Potential Impact on Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector

The strike comes at a sensitive time for Nigeria, whose economy is heavily reliant on petroleum exports. With PENGASSAN members forming the backbone of operations in both upstream and downstream sectors, the industrial action could paralyze production, refining, and distribution chains.

Gas supplies to power plants may also face disruptions, potentially worsening the nation’s electricity crisis. Industry analysts warn that halting crude and gas flows to the Dangote Refinery — Africa’s largest refining facility — could destabilize ongoing efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency. The refinery, commissioned to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel, relies heavily on steady supplies from domestic producers.

If the strike lingers, disruptions in fuel availability could translate into scarcity at filling stations, price hikes, and possible hoarding by marketers. Beyond energy, the action could ripple across industries that depend on gas, including manufacturing, petrochemicals, and fertilizers.

Government Response and Public Expectation

While the Nigerian government has yet to issue an official statement, pressure is mounting on the Ministry of Labour and Employment, as well as the Presidency, to intervene swiftly. The standoff has become a high-stakes battle between organized labor and one of Nigeria’s most powerful private sector players.

Critics argue that the government has often hesitated to confront influential business moguls, raising concerns that the situation could escalate. On the other hand, supporters of PENGASSAN insist that defending labor rights is crucial to maintaining industrial harmony.

Public reactions have been divided. While some Nigerians sympathize with the sacked workers, others fear the economic consequences of a prolonged strike. Commuters and small businesses, in particular, worry about rising fuel prices and worsening power outages if the dispute is not quickly resolved.

Strike and Prayer Vigil: A Rare Combination

The introduction of a round-the-clock prayer vigil as part of the strike has attracted significant attention. Labor unions in Nigeria are traditionally known for protests, demonstrations, and negotiations. However, PENGASSAN’s choice to blend spiritual appeal with industrial action reflects both frustration and innovation.

Analysts interpret the move as a strategy to unify members across diverse backgrounds, reinforcing solidarity and highlighting the moral weight of their cause. By invoking divine intervention, the union appears to be sending a strong message that the conflict transcends industrial relations and touches on fairness, justice, and national integrity.

The coming days will be critical in determining whether the strike intensifies or is resolved through dialogue. If negotiations do not begin swiftly, the Nigerian economy could face severe strain. Already, stakeholders in the oil and gas industry are urging both parties to return to the table before operations grind to a complete halt.

For PENGASSAN, the strike is more than a response to Dangote Refinery’s mass dismissal of workers; it is a broader fight for the recognition of labor rights in Nigeria’s private sector. For Dangote Group, the standoff threatens to derail the momentum of its flagship refinery project, which has been widely celebrated as a game-changer for Nigeria’s energy sector.

Ultimately, the outcome will depend on whether the government acts decisively to mediate between the union and Dangote. For now, Nigerians are bracing for the economic consequences of what may become one of the most significant labor disputes in recent history.