Nationwide blackout looms as key plant shuts down after PENGASSAN’s action

News Update

Nigeria may be plunged into darkness from Monday as thermal power stations prepare to shut down following the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria’s (PENGASSAN) decision to embark on strike.

The Association of Power Generating Companies (APGC) warned on Sunday that gas suppliers had already issued directives halting supply to thermal plants in compliance with the union’s industrial action.

Executive Secretary of APGC, Joy Ogaji, confirmed the development in a message to stakeholders, stressing that hydroelectric plants alone cannot sustain the national grid.

“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,” Ogaji said.

The warning comes hours after PENGASSAN announced a nationwide strike to protest the dismissal of over 800 workers at the Dangote Refinery.

The union directed members across oil and gas installations to down tools until the sackings were reversed.

The strike, if sustained, is expected to cripple crude production, fuel distribution, gas supply and electricity generation.

With thermal stations providing more than 70 per cent of the country’s power, experts warn the shutdown could overwhelm hydro plants and trigger a system collapse.