The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has dissolved the branch executive councils of the Nigeria Gas Infrastructure Company Ltd (NGIC) and the NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML).
The decision followed what the association described as the executives’ “inability” to fully shut down gas supply to the Dangote Refinery during its recent strike action — a key directive from the national leadership.
According to an internal report, the dissolution has deepened ongoing tensions within PENGASSAN after its nationwide strike began on September 28, calling for a reduction in gas supply to the refinery.
In response, members of the NGIC/NGML congress appealed to the national leadership to reconsider the decision, describing it as unfair and damaging to the image of their branch leaders. They also urged that the allegations of collusion and acceptance of gifts from management be dropped, stressing that such claims could tarnish reputations without proof.
“If there is evidence of sabotage beyond our line of sight, we appeal that fair hearing be granted to the comrades to either clear their names or be found guilty with evidence,” the congress stated.
They argued that an unsuccessful strike effort should not lead to dissolution but rather serve as a chance to “correct and re-strategize for future success.”
Why the Gas Shutdown Failed
The congress members explained that while efforts were made to cut off gas supply to Dangote Refinery, only a few valves could be closed.
“At no point did the branch executives say Dangote had been completely shut down,” the report clarified. “They shut some valves along the line and the inlet from OB3 through Oben, hoping the pressure would drop and eventually affect the refinery — but it didn’t work out as expected.”
They added that misinformation may have reached the national leadership prematurely, as some members were eager to deliver “good news” before results were confirmed.
Despite the challenges, the congress maintained that their leaders risked their safety to carry out national directives, even taking actions management described as “unprecedented in NGIC/NGML’s history,” including facility shutdowns and equipment damage.
‘We’ve Never Shut Down Customer Operations Before’
The group emphasized that NGIC/NGML PENGASSAN had never fully shut down any customer operations in past strike actions.
They attributed their limited success this time to continued gas injection from producers into the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) and the heavy presence of military personnel at strategic points.
The congress insisted that their actions showed loyalty, not sabotage, and described allegations of collusion or bribery as baseless and unsupported by evidence.
They warned that if such accusations persist, it could demoralize members who actively participated in the strike and weaken unity within the union.
