There has arisen apprehension across the country over the possibility of fuel shortage in the coming days.
People were seen on Monday across Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, discussing the possible effect of the crisis in the oil sector.
Reports from other states have indicated the same development.
This arose because members of the oil workers’ unions, on Monday, carried out their threat to down tools.
The workers blocked the gate into the premises of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Their colleagues at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA) also blocked the entrance into their premises.
Similar situation was witnessed at the headquarters of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The tense situation arose after Dangote Refinery reportedly sacked 800 in its fold who were members of the unions.
However, the management of the union has not issued a comment on the development.
According to a circular issued after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Saturday, signed by General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery of violating Nigeria’s labour laws, the Constitution, and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions by dismissing workers for joining PENGASSAN.
It also alleged that the refinery had replaced the dismissed staff with “over 2,000 Indians,” calling the action “an affront to all workers in Nigeria.”
PENGASSAN then directed members in field locations to down tools from Sunday, and ordered a total nationwide shutdown across offices, companies, institutions, and agencies from yesterday (Monday).
“All PENGASSAN members working across field locations are to withdraw services effective 06:00hrs on Sunday, 28 September 2025, and commence 24-hour prayers. This includes all control room operations, panel operations, and outfield personnel.
“All PENGASSAN members across all offices, companies, institutions, and agencies should withdraw all services effective 00:01 on Monday, 29th of September, 2025,” the union commanded.
