BREAKING: PENGASSAN Strike Threat May Trigger Nationwide Blackout, Thermal Plants Warn of Shutdown!

BREAKING: PENGASSAN Strike Threat May Trigger Nationwide Blackout, Thermal Plants Warn of Shutdown!

Reported by Fasesan Marian opeyemi | Sele Media Africa

Nigeria may face a widespread power crisis starting Monday, as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has been reported to have directed that thermal power plants shut down in support of a threatened industrial action. The move has raised alarms that thermal generation units may go offline, potentially precipitating a nationwide blackout.

What’s Claimed

• According to multiple unverified reports across social media, PENGASSAN is said to have ordered members involved in thermal power operations to suspend services in solidarity with ongoing labour disputes.
• Should the directive be enforced, thermal plants across the country could cease operations, drastically reducing power generation capacity and putting the national grid at risk.
• The blackout would disproportionately affect homes, industries, and essential services that rely on the national grid and thermal power generation.

What We Do Know

• As of now, there is no credible mainstream media report confirming that PENGASSAN has officially ordered thermal plants to shut down.
• The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) recently initiated a withdrawal of services from Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) workers nationwide, raising fears of widespread outages. [1]
• That strike was later suspended after 10 hours, following federal government intervention. [2]
• AREAS of typical union threats include PENGASSAN threatening shutdowns over alleged violations in expatriate staffing in the oil sector. [3]

What Happens If Thermal Units Shut Down?

• Loss of Generation Capacity: Thermal plants (gas, diesel) are a large chunk of Nigeria’s dispatchable generation. Their shutdown would remove a significant portion of grid supply.
• Grid Instability: With insufficient supply to meet demand, frequency drops, load shedding intensifies, and risk of system collapse increases.
• Blackout Risk: A full or partial collapse of the national grid becomes more probable under sustained shutdowns.
• Economic & Social Impact: Industries, hospitals, water supply systems, and almost every sector dependent on power would be severely affected. What Needs Verification & Next Steps
• Official Statement from PENGASSAN: To confirm whether the union has indeed issued such a directive.
• Power Sector Stakeholder Response: TCN, the Generation Companies (GenCos), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the Ministry of Power should clarify their stance.
• System Monitoring: Watch real-time system generation vs demand data to see signs of load stress.
• Public Advisory: The government may need to prepare contingency plans for critical facilities and issue power rationing schedules.

Citations:

1. The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/energy/nationwide-blackout-looms-as-electricity-union-begins-strike-accuses-tcn-of-neglect/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/blackout-averted-as-electricity-workers-suspend-strike-after-fgs-intervention/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. The Nation Newspaper: thenationonlineng.net/pengassan-threatens-nationwide-strike-over-10699-indian-expatriates/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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