By Oso Bidemi
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), has warned that the ongoing industrial dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), and Dangote Refinery poses a major risk to the nation’s energy security.
In a letter dated September 29 and addressed to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the NNPC said the strike had already triggered significant production deferments across the energy sector.
“It is our considered view that the current industrial action has impacts that extend beyond the Dangote Refinery,” the NNPC stated. “The disruptions pose systemic risks to energy supply, personnel and asset security, and the wider economy.”
The state oil company disclosed that while business continuity protocols have been activated, with non-union staff stepping in where possible, the measures remain insufficient to cushion the broader impact of the strike.
“Should the situation continue, the impacts are expected to intensify, posing a material threat to national energy security,” the NNPC warned.
The company stressed the need for a sustainable resolution to prevent prolonged disruption of the country’s energy infrastructure and urged all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue in the interest of national stability.
