Key Points:
- PENGASSAN starts a strike across oil and gas sites. Gas firms stop supply to thermal plants on order.
- Power firms warn of blackouts from Monday if cuts continue. Joy Ogaji shares shutdown notes from gas vendors to GenCos.
- Union protests the sack of over 800 Dangote staff. Thermal plants make more than 70 percent of power.
Nigeria may go dark from Monday, power groups warn. Meanwhile, gas lines to key plants face quick, forced cuts. The move links to a fresh PENGASSAN strike. Many sites now plan to shut across states.
Joy Ogaji leads the GenCos group for power firms. She sent a WhatsApp note to members on Sunday. The Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company told GenCos to obey. Her words raised fear of fast, wide power loss.
Gas cut orders hit thermal power plants
Her note began, “Good day, all,” to colleagues. She wrote that vendors sent clear shutdown notices today. She added, “NGIC has asked GenCos to comply.” She warned that dams alone cannot hold the grid.
She used the phrase “imminent darkness” to stress the risk. Power firms say hydro helps, yet output stays small. Thermal plants now make more than seventy percent. A deep cut could push the grid near collapse.
Last week, crews also warned of a fresh blackout wave. Read our report on the nationwide blackout risk from crews.
Union demands Dangote job sack reversal
The union will start the strike on Monday. Leaders say the move protests sackings at Dangote Refinery. They cite more than eight hundred staff sent home. An emergency NEC met on Saturday and gave the order.
The NEC told members to down tools at all sites. They must wait until bosses reverse every sack, leaders said. Crews at rigs and depots will hold the line. Gas hubs and power plants will also stand still. See our piece on the Dangote union job row. The report shows the row behind this hard move.
The strike can slow crude work at fields and rigs. Fuel runs from tank farms and depots may choke. Gas lines to plants across the grid may block. Thermal plants that need gas will then lose output.
Homes may face long cuts if talks now fail. Shops may shut early as cold rooms lose light. Firms may burn more diesel to keep lights on. Schools may move some class work online during cuts.
Grid experts warn of a full collapse without gas. Others add that dams cannot hold long at peak. Many urge calm talks before key lines drop again. Union chiefs say they seek quick, fair fixes now.
