Nigeria may be plunged into a nationwide blackout in the coming days as the crisis between Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) intensifies.

On Sunday, electricity generation companies (GenCos) raised the alarm that the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company had received directives to halt gas supplies in compliance with PENGASSAN’s strike order.

The Executive Secretary of the Association of Power Generating Companies, Joy Ogaji, confirmed the development, warning that the move could force the shutdown of thermal power plants across the country.

“Please all be notified of the imminent darkness, as hydros alone cannot sustain the system,” Ogaji said, noting that they are still monitoring to see if federal intervention would reverse the situation.

Currently, Nigeria relies heavily on thermal power plants, while hydroelectric plants alone cannot sustain the national grid.

Background of the Crisis

The feud traces back to the sack of workers at Dangote Refinery who had voluntarily joined PENGASSAN. Following its National Executive Council meeting at the weekend, the union directed members to cut off gas and crude supplies to the refinery until the affected workers are reinstated.

On Sunday, PENGASSAN confirmed that members had begun complying with the directive.

The standoff escalated further when the Trade Union Congress (TUC) announced plans to join the strike, raising concerns about a broader industrial shutdown.

Dangote & FG React

In a statement, Dangote Refinery condemned PENGASSAN’s action, describing it as “bullying and terror tactics”.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, has convened a crucial meeting set for Monday with all parties to seek a resolution. The Ministry of Finance also urged dialogue to prevent a total collapse of power supply and economic disruptions.

The federal government, however, has assured Nigerians that petroleum product stability will be maintained despite the ongoing feud.