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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
Eleven outstanding poetry collections are now in the race for the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature, arguably Africa’s biggest and most prestigious literary prize.
The 11 collections were selected from a total of 223 entries received for this year’s competition.
Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Prize, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, who announced the longlist, said the emergence of the 11 collections marks a significant milestone in this year’s competition and reflects the exceptional quality, creativity and diversity of contemporary Nigerian poetry.
According to her, the longlisted titles, arranged in alphabetical order, are: Adult Love by Tanure Ojaide; Bakandimiya by Saddiq Dzukogi; Black Passport by Paul Akpomuje; 2000 Blacks by Ajibola Tolase; Ceremony For The Nameless by Theresa Lola; Corpus: Animistic Verses by Ayo Oyeku; and Floral’s Love Colony by Tares Oburumu.
Other successful entries are, The Origin of Wounds by Malik Gbolahan; The Years of Blood by Adebayo Agarau; Unbind Me Now by James Ugwu Eze; and Why Does God Need a Gun by Ogaga Ifowodo.
Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo described the announcement as an important stage in the 2026 edition of the prize.
She noted that the collections demonstrate the remarkable capacity of poetry to illuminate human experience through thoughtful reflection, cultural memory and artistic expression.
According to her, the works revisit history while interrogating dominant historical narratives and exposing the forces that shape collective identities and social relations.
She stated that despite their varied emphases, the books share a commitment to exploring the endurance of individuals and communities in the face of violence, oppression and social fragmentation.
On style and language, Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo said the books display an impressive diversity of poetic techniques marked by lyrical intensity, symbolic depth and artistic innovation.
“Many employ densely poetic, allegorical, and elegiac modes that invite multiple layers of interpretation, while others draw extensively on folklore, oral traditions, and contemporary realities to create a compelling fusion of past and present. Their language is generally fluid, evocative, and aesthetically refined, relying on vivid imagery, emotional resonance, and intellectual sophistication to communicate complex ideas. These works demonstrate how poetic language can illuminate social realities; challenge established perspectives and give voice to both individual and collective experiences.
“The next stage will demand a closer reading of each work, with attention to language, form, originality and lasting literary value,” she stated.
The Board chairman commended the judges for their painstaking work and reaffirmed the Advisory Board’s commitment to a credible process, literary excellence and the promotion of a strong reading culture.
With the announcement of the 11-title longlist, the competition now moves to the next phase, with a shortlist of three expected in August and the winner to be announced in October.
Sponsored by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), The Nigeria Prize for Literature carries a cash award of $100,000 for the author of the winning book.
Now in its 22nd year, the prize rotates annually across four genres – prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature – with the 2026 edition devoted to poetry.
The Rivers State Government has applauded the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State Branch, for its steadfast dedication to advancing medical excellence and contributing significantly to healthcare development in the state and the country at large.
Speaking at the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the NMA held in Port Harcourt last Wednesday, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, described the association as a vital partner in the quest to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Wokoma, according to a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit in his office, Julian Masi, noted that the NMA’s sustained advocacy for professional standards and quality medical practice has continued to impact positively on the healthcare sector and national development.
He said the conference theme, “Medical Practice in Nigeria: The Past, the Present and Quo Vadis,” offers a valuable platform for stakeholders to evaluate the progress made in the health sector, examine present realities, and develop practical solutions for future challenges.
He paid tribute to Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals for their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to service despite the challenges confronting the sector.
“We deeply appreciate the immense sacrifices made daily by Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals. In the face of numerous challenges, they continue to demonstrate exceptional resilience, professionalism, dedication and commitment to saving lives. Their contributions remain critical to national development,” he said.
In her keynote address, the immediate past Commissioner for Health, Prof. Adaeze C. Oreh, called on participants to critically examine the current state of medical practice in Nigeria and explore innovative approaches that will address emerging healthcare challenges in line with the conference theme.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State Branch, Dr. (Prof.) Annabel Ureh Oparaodu, expressed gratitude to Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his continued support for the medical profession in Rivers State.
She urged delegates to maximize the opportunities provided by the conference through active engagement and knowledge sharing.
Highlights of the event included the commissioning of the Nigerian Medical Association Doctors’ Lodge and the NMA Water Factory, initiatives designed to improve members’ welfare and promote sustainability within the association.
The National Population Commission (NPC) has announced the commencement of a nationwide digital registration of births and deaths in Rivers State under the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics, E-CRVS, System, using the new VitalReg platform.
Federal Commissioner, NPC, Rivers State, Prof. Itotenaan Henry Ogiri, announced said this recently during a press briefing in his Port Harcourt office.
Ogiri said the full digital registration of births and deaths took effect nationwide on July 1, 2026, and is now being implemented across Rivers’ 23 Local Government Areas as part of the Commission’s rollout in the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT.
“Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a modern, technology-driven civil registration system,
“It reflects the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every birth and every death occurring in our country is accurately captured through a secure, efficient and digitally enabled platform,” he said.
The Federal Commissioner noted that while Nigeria records an estimated five million births annually, coverage remains low.
“Birth registration currently stands at about 57%, while death registration is below 20% nationwide.
“These gaps underscore the urgent need for a more efficient and accessible registration system,” he stated.
To address this, he said the commission has established 4,011 functional registration centres across the 774 LGAs, with plans to expand to about 8,000 centres nationwide.
According to him, in Rivers State, structures have been put in place and personnel are working with health facilities, LGAs and community stakeholders to ensure accessibility.
Ogiri explained that the VitalReg platform offers faster registration, 24-hour access, automated data validation for accuracy, reduced paperwork and waiting time, enhanced record security, and a stronger national database to support other government information systems.
He added that the platform would integrate seamlessly with Nigeria’s national digital identity framework, including the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to improve coordination and service delivery.
“The initiative builds on the launch of the E-CRVS System and the inauguration of the National Coordination Committee on CRVS by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on November 8, 2023.
“It also aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on digital transformation and transparency,” he said.
The NPC Commissioner stressed that success depends on partnerships and public participation and listed key collaborators as ALGON, NIMC, UNICEF and Barnksforte Technologies Limited.
“In Rivers State, we will continue to work closely with the State Government, Local Government Councils, healthcare providers, traditional institutions, religious organisations, development partners, civil society organisations and the media to ensure that no child or family is left behind,” he said.
The commissioner called on parents, guardians, healthcare workers and community leaders to ensure prompt registration of every birth and death, noting that a complete civil registration system strengthens governance and supports sustainable development.
He reassured the public that birth registration and birth notification services remain highly subsidised, though specialised administrative services such as record modification, certificate reissuance, attestations and verification will attract approved charges to support system sustainability.
Ogiri appreciated the Rivers State Government for its support, and commended NPC staff in the State, as well as development partners, LGAs, healthcare institutions, traditional and religious leaders for advancing civil registration in the state.
He also urged the media to continue to amplify the message “that every birth counts, every death matters and every Nigerian deserves a legal identity.”
“As we commence this new chapter, let us all work together to build a civil registration system that is modern, inclusive and trusted by all,” Ogiri concluded.