The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reported substantial losses in crude oil, gas production, and electricity supply due to the three-day strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
In a letter dated September 29, 2025, addressed to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NNPCL Group CEO Bashir Ojulari detailed the impact of the industrial action. He said the strike led to a 16% reduction in oil production, a 30% drop in marketed gas, and a 20% shortfall in power generation. Specifically, 283,000 barrels of oil and 1.7 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day were deferred, while over 1,200 MW of electricity generation was disrupted.
Ojulari warned that ongoing and scheduled operations, including crude lifting and gas sales, could face further financial setbacks, potentially triggering demurrage costs and revenue losses. He emphasized that the strike posed systemic risks to Nigeria’s energy security and broader economy, urging a sustainable solution to prevent further disruptions.
The strike stemmed from allegations by PENGASSAN that Dangote Refinery engaged in mass transfers and dismissals of union members and replaced some Nigerian staff with foreign nationals, claims the refinery denied, citing operational requirements.
Following Federal Government intervention, the union suspended the nationwide strike but maintained that the truce was temporary. PENGASSAN President Osifo stressed that the suspension was a show of respect for government institutions, not confidence in Dangote, warning that the strike could resume immediately if any agreements were breached.
He reiterated that the dispute centered on workers’ fundamental rights to freedom of association and fair remuneration, insisting that members would monitor Dangote’s compliance closely.
