The ongoing strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has led to a significant reduction in the national electricity grid output, as disruptions in the gas supply chain impact power generation.
According to the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), power generation fell sharply from over 4,300 megawatts (MW) in the early hours of September 28 to approximately 3,200 MW at its lowest point. The industrial action, which began on September 28, has resulted in widespread gas shortages, affecting gas-fired power plants across the country.
To mitigate the shortfall, NISO has implemented emergency measures, including ramping up generation from major hydropower stations, which contributed over 400 MW to the grid. Additionally, real-time load adjustments, frequency support measures, and selective load shedding have been employed to stabilize the system and prevent a nationwide blackout.
NISO has warned that if the strike continues, it could lead to a total collapse of the national grid, emphasizing the critical role of gas-fired generation in maintaining grid stability.
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The strike was initiated by PENGASSAN in response to the dismissal of over 800 workers by Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest privately owned refinery. The union alleges that the layoffs were retaliatory actions against union activities and have called for a halt to gas and crude oil supplies to the refinery.
The federal government has expressed concern over the impact of the strike on the energy sector and is engaging with the union to resolve the dispute and restore normal operations.
