By Charles Maduka
Operations at key oil and gas regulatory institutions were paralysed on Monday as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria began a nationwide strike.
The action affected the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority. Members of the union across the country withdrew their services following a weekend directive from its National Executive Council.
At the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was locked, leaving several employees stranded. Security operatives confirmed that staff were denied entry in compliance with the strike order. A similar situation was observed at the NMDPRA headquarters in the Central Business District, where activities were completely grounded.
PENGASSAN Chairman in NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, told The PUNCH that the union had achieved “100 per cent compliance,” noting that the directive was also enforced at the NNPCL and other relevant agencies.
The union said the strike became necessary after the alleged wrongful dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. It also instructed its members to halt crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery, a move that oil marketers warned could disrupt fuel distribution and drive up prices.
On Sunday, PENGASSAN had directed all its members in offices, companies and agencies to cease services from 12:01 am on Monday, while those in field locations were told to down tools from 6:00 am on Sunday and begin a round-the-clock prayer vigil.
In a resolution signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by sacking workers for joining the union and replacing them with foreigners.
The development has raised fears of fuel scarcity and power shortages as NNPC remains the sole importer of petrol, while NUPRC monitors crude production and gas supply obligations.
An emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Labour on Monday is expected to determine whether dialogue can end the strike or if the crisis will deepen.
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