The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has begun a nationwide strike, sparking fears of a fuel price hike. The strike, which started on Monday, September 29, 2025, is in response to the sack of over 800 Nigerian workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, with PENGASSAN accusing the refinery of violating Nigerian labor laws and International Labour Organisation conventions.
PENGASSAN alleges that Dangote Refinery replaced Nigerian workers with foreigners.The union demands reinstatement of sacked workers, a public apology, and an independent probe.
Oil marketers warn that the strike could destabilize fuel prices, erode investment confidence, and worsen Nigeria’s fragile electricity supply.
PENGASSAN’s directive to halt crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Refinery may choke the domestic market, driving up demand and prices.
The Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammad Dingyadi has summoned a meeting between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery to resolve the dispute. “A strike will not only lead to revenue losses but also hardship for Nigerians,” he warned.
Stakeholders have urge a peaceful resolution to avert further escalation and potential economic instability.
