The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has directed its members nationwide to withdraw their services following the alleged mass dismissal of Nigerian workers by the Dangote Refinery.
In a circular issued after an emergency National Executive Council meeting on Saturday, September 27, 2025, and signed by General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery of violating labour laws, the Nigerian Constitution, and ILO conventions by sacking staff who joined the association.
According to PENGASSAN, the refinery replaced the dismissed workers with “over 2,000 Indians,” describing the move as “an affront to all workers in Nigeria.”
The circular instructed members in field locations to down tools from 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, while a total nationwide shutdown across offices, companies, institutions, and agencies will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Monday.
“All processes that involve gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be let off immediately,” the union ordered, further directing IOC branches to ramp down gas production and supply.
The association also declared 24-hour prayer vigils and insisted the strike would continue until the sacked workers are reinstated. “An injury to one is an injury to all. No man is bigger than our country,” the statement read.
Dangote Refinery has recently faced repeated clashes with both PENGASSAN and NUPENG over labour rights and safety concerns.
What you should know
PENGASSAN is one of Nigeria’s most influential oil and gas unions, and its nationwide strike order could disrupt critical energy operations.
The standoff with Dangote Refinery may have major implications for fuel supply, labour relations, and Nigeria’s economy.
