Tension gripped the headquarters of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in Abuja this morning as workers were locked out of the premises.
As of 8:45 a.m., scores of employees were seen milling around outside the building after security personnel shut the main gates, barring both entry and exit. The reason for the closure was not immediately disclosed.
When Pinnacle Daily approached some of the stranded staff for comments, they declined to speak, insisting they were not authorised to address the matter.
The incident comes against the backdrop of an escalating industrial dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Refinery.
The union had threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over alleged unfair labour practices at the refinery, a move that could disrupt operations across the oil and gas sector.
READ ALSO: Dangote Refinery: PENGASSAN, NUPENG Actions Threaten National Security – Expert
The federal government has summoned both parties to a crucial meeting in Abuja today in a last-ditch effort to forestall the strike. Industry watchers say the NUPRC lockdown may be a signal of growing tension within the sector as negotiations reach a critical stage.
The standoff between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery began earlier this month after reports surfaced that dozens of refinery staff had been dismissed under what the union described as “anti-labour practices”. PENGASSAN argued that the dismissals violated Nigeria’s labour laws and threatened workers’ rights in the petroleum sector.
Dangote Refinery, however, has maintained that its actions were based on operational restructuring, insisting that due process was followed. The refinery, which only recently began test operations, has been under the spotlight, as it is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
READ ALSO: Dangote: TUC Backs PENGASSAN, Threatens Solidarity Strike
Labour leaders warn that if the dispute is not resolved, the ripple effects could destabilise the oil and gas sector, already under pressure from global crude market uncertainties. The federal government, mindful of the economic consequences, moved swiftly to invite both PENGASSAN and the Dangote Group for talks, with hopes of averting a nationwide shutdown.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
