PENGASSAN declares nationwide strike over sack of members at Dangote Refinery

PENGASSAN declares nationwide strike over sack of members at Dangote Refinery

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has declared a nationwide strike to protest the recent dismissal of over 800 workers by Dangote Refinery, allegedly for joining the union.

In a statement issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Saturday, the union directed all its members across offices, companies, institutions, and agencies to withdraw their services beginning 12:01am on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Additionally, members stationed at field locations have been instructed to suspend operations from 6am on Sunday, September 28, and commence a 24-hour prayer vigil.

READ ALSO:

• Newly called-to-bar lawyer abducted while returning home from Abuja
• Labour Party factional chairman, Julius Abure, attacked at airport
• NRC announces resumption date for Abuja-Kaduna train service

“All PENGASSAN members working in field locations are to withdraw services effective 06:00hrs on Sunday, 28th of September, 2025, and begin continuous prayers. This includes all control room, panel, and outfield operations,” the statement read.

The union emphasized that no intervention will be permitted during the strike, except in cases where personnel or asset safety is at risk—such interventions will require prior clearance from the PENGASSAN National Secretariat.

Furthermore, PENGASSAN ordered an immediate halt to all gas and crude supply processes to Dangote Refinery, directing all International Oil Company (IOC) branches to ramp down production and cut off supply to the facility and its petrochemical operations.

The strike action follows what the union described as an unjustified mass layoff of over 800 employees at Dangote Refinery, allegedly due to their affiliation with PENGASSAN.

PENGASSAN declares nationwide strike over sack of members at Dangote Refinery