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Fuel Crisis Looms As Supply Drops …Minister Urges Nigerians Not To Panic
Nigerians could experience acute petroleum products scarcity in the coming days if the strike by oil workers continues.
The strike by the main oil industry workers unions – Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), and its junior staff counterpart, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) – entered the third day yesterday; as daily average fuel supply, particularly Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly called petrol, dropped by more than 36 million litres.
The current industrial action embarked upon by NNPC staff has worsened, as other units of the company have joined the ongoing labour dispute.
Subsidiaries of the NNPC which have now joined the strike include: the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Kaduna Refining and Petro-chemical Company (KRPC), Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), Nigeria Gas Company (NGC), Hyson, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL) and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).
The industry’s senior staff union, had on Tuesday called its member on an indefinite strike in sympathy with their colleagues in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), who are pressing for the resolution of issues regarding pensions’ management.
The pension issues were compounded by the revocation of the license of the NNPC pension scheme by the National Pensions Commission (PENCOM), over the corporation’s alleged inability to bridge the funding gap of about N85billion in its pension scheme.
Other demands are adequate and regular funding of the closed pension system, immediate steps to carry out Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) on the four refineries as agreed between government and the two unions (NUPENG and PENGASSAN), and restoration of crude supply to the refineries.
The NNPC, which has been running a closed pension scheme not subject to the regulation of the national pensions policy spelt out in the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014 as amended, was recently directed by PENCOM to discontinue its closed pension scheme arrangement and join the open scheme under the latter’s supervision; an arrangement the NNPC workers do not feel comfortable with.
Part of the unions’ demands underlining the industrial action has been for NNPC to be allowed to run its workers pension exclusively like other institutions as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in view of concerns of accountability and security of contributions under the open pension arrangement.
Another letter from PENCOM to the corporation on Monday, September 15, insisted on full compliance with the directive by using a 12-month window granted to wind down and “immediately take all necessary steps to transit to the Contributory Pension Scheme under the PRA.”
But, the letter appears to have inflamed the strike.
Though the NNPC management said it was dialoguing with PENCOM on an amicable solution, it appealed to the leadership of the industrial unions to exercise restraint in their handling of the issue.
The NNPC noted that since the commencement of the scheme in 2006, the management and staff had made efforts to bridge the funding gaps in the scheme, currently at N85billion as at June 2014, down from a deficit level of about N298billion in 2010.
The impact of the two-day old strike has so far significantly threatened NNPC operations nationwide, as the corporation accounts for more than 45 per cent of the about 40 million litres daily consumption of petroleum products. The major and independent petroleum products marketers account for the importation of the remaining 55 per cent of the products consumed nationwide.
Long queues of trucks were seen along the routes to NNPC depots in Ejigbo, and Mosimi fuel depots waiting for hours for their turn to load petroleum products.
The Chairman, Mosimi Depot of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Dele Tajudeen, said if nothing was done to resolve the crisis and the strike called off, the situation might worsen in the days ahead.
“I urge the Federal Government and the unions to come to terms in finding lasting solution to the lingering crisis to save the economy,”
Tajudeen said. “Most trucks have been here since Saturday night to load products to various states, but it’s unfortunate that they found themselves in this mess.”
At Ejigbo Depot, the situation was not different, as the strike had virtually crippled NNPC operations in the area, with loading of petroleum products only holding at private depots only at exorbitant charges.
Loading of petrol, which usually attracts an official price of N89.70 per litre, went for between N90 and N91 per litre.
The President, Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (NALPGAM), Basil Ogbuanu, said the strike had also significantly affected loading of gas in some of the depots across the country.
According to him, the shut-down of Warri depot, which has the highest concentration of his members, would create scarcity of the product nationwide.
A statement from PENGASSAN on Wednesday did not offer any hope for an immediate resolution of the crisis, as its Media Officer, Babatunde Oke, said the strike would continue until the union extracted firm commitment from the NNPC on the issues at stake.
Oke said the unions were also demanding regular funding of the closed pension system, immediate steps to carry out turn around maintenance (TAM) on the four refineries as agreed between government and the two unions as well as restoration of crude supply to the refineries.
He said the issues had gone beyond granting of a 12-month grace to the NNPC by PENCOM, adding that the NNPC management should put in place machinery that would automatically fund the pension system without any bureaucratic bottleneck.
The union blamed the crisis on the inability of the NNPC board to meet for over a year to approve the proposal of the management for funding of the pension system.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, yesterday in Abuja urged Nigerians not to panic over the current fuel scarcity in the country.
Wogu made the call while speaking with newsmen on the ongoing strike by the oil and gas sectors.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Monday shut down operations nationwide.
The unions had shut down operations nationwide over alleged irregular funding of their pension scheme, which had led to about N85billion deficit.
Other demands of the workers are the call for immediate steps to carry out Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) on the four refineries as agreed between government and the two unions and restoration of crude supply to the refineries
The minister said that talks were still ongoing with the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the in house unions of PENGASSAN and NUPENG.
“Everything is under control, discussions are going on, talks started yesterday and are still on.
“There should be no need for panic buying of fuel and I am positive that the issue will be resolved soon, ‘’ he said.
Most filling stations in Abuja are not selling the commodity while there are long queues at the few stations selling.
Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi (left) congratulating the chairman Care-Taker Committee, Ogu/Bolo LGA, Hon Mina Tende, during the swearing-in ceremony at Government House, Port Harcourt, last Tuesday
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled attempts by drug trafficking syndicates to smuggle illicit substances concealed in carton walls, winter jackets, and body cream containers through Murtala Muhammed International Airport and a Lagos-based courier firm.
The agency said two consignments bound for Italy were intercepted at the Lagos airport, leading to the arrest of suspects linked to the shipments.
In a statement released yesterday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said one of the suspects, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was intercepted on Friday, March 20, 2026, while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Rome, Italy.
The statement partly read, “Two of the consignments heading to Italy were to be moved through the Lagos airport where two suspects linked to the shipments were promptly arrested.
“One of them, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was going to Rome, Italy on Friday, March 20, 2026, when he was intercepted while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight with 2,698 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in containers of skin-lightening body cream, all packed in the suspect’s luggage.
“In his statement, Ehianuka, who is a resident of Milan, confirmed that he was to be paid a negotiated fee in Euros if he had succeeded in trafficking the consignment to Italy.”
In another operation on Wednesday, March 18, Babafemi said NDLEA officers at the departure hall intercepted another passenger, Christian Agbonhese, attempting to board a Lufthansa flight to Milan.
A search of his luggage uncovered 23,150 pills of tramadol 225mg, 4,000 tablets of tapentadol 250mg, and 1,320 pills of tramadol 100mg concealed in two large winter jackets.
“No fewer than 23,150 pills of tramadol 225mg; 4,000 tablets of tapentadol 250mg; and 1,320 pills of tramadol 100mg, all concealed in two large winter jackets, bringing the total number of opioids recovered from him to 28,470 pills. The 38-year-old Agbonhese is also a resident of Milan,” the statement added.
In a separate operation at a courier firm in Lagos, Babafemi said NDLEA officers on Monday, March 16, intercepted two parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 1kg, hidden in a carton shipped from the United States.
“Also thwarted was an attempt to export 158 grams of methamphetamine concealed in the walls of a carton to New Zealand,” he said.
In Kano State, operatives arrested Abdulkadir Mamuda, 35, with 102.5kg of skunk at Dan-Tsalle, while another suspect, Uche Johnson Festus, 47, was nabbed at Naibawa Gabas with 95.5kg of the same substance.
Babafemi said the agency also recovered 21,737 bottles of codeine-based syrup during a raid at Otto, Ijora area of Lagos on Wednesday, March 18, adding that two suspects, Chidiebere Anigbogu and Paul Nwagbara, were arrested the same day on the Third Mainland Bridge while conveying 8,380 bottles of the syrup.
In Edo State, operatives recovered 97.5kg of skunk from the residence of Akeem Idde, 37, in Ojah, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area on March 16.
In the FCT, officers intercepted a commercial bus along the Gwagwalada Expressway on March 18, recovering 91,840 pills of tramadol hidden in body compartments of the vehicle. The driver, Aminu Ali, 27, was arrested.
In Oyo State, a suspect, Bankole Bari, was on Tuesday, March 17, arrested at Oke-Oyan, Ibarapa LGA, with 71.2kg of skunk, which he smuggled into Nigeria from Benin Republic through the Oyan River.
In a similar development, “Not less than 586,000 pills of tramadol and Exol-5 were recovered by NDLEA operatives from Lawal Anas, 28, along Kaduna-Zaria Highway, Kaduna, on Tuesday, March 17, while 7,290 tablets of tramadol 225mg were seized from Musa Shuaibu, 22, at the same location on Friday, March 20,” Babafemi said.
In Taraba State, officers intercepted Aliyu Adamu, 26, along the Takum-Jalingo Highway with 77,660 capsules of tramadol, while in Adamawa State, six suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure of 82.8kg of tramadol in a truck in Yola.
The suspects include Ramatu Aliyu, Jungudo Abdullahi, Najid Abdullahi, Musa Mohammed, Usman Abdulrahim, and Musa Mohammed.
The agency said its commands across the country also intensified War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns in schools, worship centres, and communities during the week.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers of the MMIA, DOGI, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Edo, Oyo, FCT, Taraba, and Adamawa commands for the arrests and seizures, urging them to sustain the balanced approach to drug control efforts.
News
RSG Applauds FRSC, NDLEA For Enhancing Security In Rivers …As NDLEA Pushes For Drug Tests In Schools, NYSC Camps
The Rivers State Government has commended the dedication and collaboration of federal government agencies in sustaining security in the State.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the State Commander of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), CN Bature Dawa, in Port Harcourt, last week, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, said Governor Siminalayi Fubara appreciates the strong synergy between the agencies in promoting his administration’s vision of peace, prosperity and progress in the State.
Wokoma urged residents to remain law-abiding, noting that respect for the law is essential for good governance and sustainable development in all parts of the state.
He stated that the governor has remained committed to initiatives that promote peace and social order, stressing that the administration will continue to support programmes of federal agencies aimed at strengthening security and public safety.
“Our governor is committed to peace, progress and prosperity in Rivers State. I therefore encourage all residents, especially young people who are often targeted by those involved in drug abuse, to stay away from drugs, crime and reckless driving,” he said.
In his remarks, the State NDLEA boss, Dawa, disclosed that the agency has arrested 39 suspects in the state from December 2025 to date, including 16 new cases currently under investigation.
He explained that the NDLEA, through its Drug Demand Reduction and Drug Supply Control Units, has intensified efforts to curb the spread of illicit drugs and ensure offenders are brought to justice.
Dawa also called on parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, while urging hotel owners and managers to remain vigilant and prevent their facilities from being used for drug-related activities.
He further advocated the introduction of drug integrity tests in schools and within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as part of measures to discourage drug abuse among young people.
In a related development, Dr Wokoma received the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), CC Inyang Umoh, during a courtesy visit, and urged residents to abide by road safety laws and drive in consideration of other road users.
In his remarks, the FRSC boss expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the continuous support to the Corps.
Muslims in Rivers State have commended Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his dedication and commitment to the development of the state.
They also lauded the governor for promoting peaceful co-existence among various religious groups in the state.
Vice President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs ,Alhaji Nasil Awhelegbe Uhor, gave the commendation last Friday during the Eid-el Fitri prayer to mark the end of Ramadan fasting period, at the Port Harcourt Central Mosque, Niger Street, Port Harcourt.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the prayer, Alhaji Uhor said Governor Fubara has shown exemplary leadership in the affairs of the state.
Uhor who is the leader of the South South Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, called on Muslims to remain committed to the ideal of peace and fear of the Almighty Allah.
According to the Rivers State Islamic leader, the message is for Muslims to imbibe and allow the lessons of Ramadan to sink into their lives and shape their ways of doing things.
He urged Muslims to imbibe the culture of love and respect for one another.
“My message is that all Muslims should imbibe and allow the lessons of Ramadan to sink with them,” he advised.
Uhor stressed the need for Muslims and all Nigerians to remain patriotic, while avoiding all forms of anti-social behaviours.
He also called on the political leaders to put the country first, stressing that there is no need for Nigerians to continue to wallow in abject poverty when the country is so rich with natural resources.
Also speaking, the Chief Imam of Rivers State, Alhaji Ibrahim S Yalo, urged Muslims to fear God, and speak the truth always.
According to him, time has come for Nigerians to cultivate the habit of peaceful coexistence, speak the truth and be each others keeper.
“Nigerians own a duty to ensure peace, live together in fear of God and speak the truth always,” he said.
By: John Bibor