PENGASSAN Begins Strike over Dangote Refinery Dispute, Threatens Nationwide Blackout as Thermal Plants Face Shutdown

Nigeria may be plunged into darkness from Monday as power generating companies warn of an imminent shutdown of thermal plants following directives from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

The Executive Secretary of the Association of Power Generating Companies, Joy Ogaji, in a WhatsApp message on Sunday, said gas suppliers had issued notices to halt supply to thermal power stations in line with the union’s strike order.

“Good day, all. Thermal GenCos have received notification from our gas suppliers to shut down our thermal power plants following directives from PENGASSAN. The Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company has specifically requested GenCos to comply,” she stated.

Ogaji warned that hydroelectric dams cannot sustain the national grid alone, cautioning of “imminent darkness” across the country.

The warning comes hours after PENGASSAN announced it would begin a nationwide strike on Monday to protest the dismissal of over 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

After an emergency NEC meeting on Saturday, the union directed members across oil and gas installations to down tools until the sackings are reversed.

The strike is expected to cripple crude production, fuel supply, gas distribution and electricity generation, with experts warning that since thermal plants provide over 70% of Nigeria’s power, the shutdown could overwhelm hydro stations and risk a total system collapse.