Nigeria is bracing for a potential nationwide blackout as power generation companies have raised concerns over the imminent shutdown of thermal plants following directives from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
The situation, which could send the nation into darkness, is set to unfold starting Monday, leaving millions of Nigerians in fear of power disruptions.
In a WhatsApp message sent on Sunday, Joy Ogaji, the Executive Secretary of the Association of Power Generating Companies (APGC), warned of the severe consequences of the strike. “Thermal GenCos have received notification from our gas suppliers to shut down our thermal power plants following directives from PENGASSAN. The Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company has specifically requested GenCos to comply,” Ogaji revealed, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Ogaji further added that the shutdown of thermal plants, which account for over 70% of Nigeria’s electricity supply, could result in widespread outages. “Please all be notified of the imminent darkness, as hydros alone cannot sustain the system,” she cautioned, noting that hydroelectric dams alone would be unable to meet the national grid’s demands.
The strike comes after PENGASSAN announced plans to begin a nationwide protest on Monday, following the dismissal of more than 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The oil workers’ union made this decision after an emergency National Executive Council meeting on Saturday. The strike has been declared to protest the unfair sackings and demand their reversal.
This industrial action poses a direct threat to multiple sectors, with crude production, fuel supply, gas distribution, and now electricity generation all at risk of severe disruption. Industry experts are warning that this strike could cause a ripple effect, exacerbating the ongoing challenges Nigerians are already facing.
The impending shutdown of the thermal plants raises serious concerns, as experts assert that hydroelectric power alone will not suffice to support the national grid. “The situation is critical, and the nationwide blackout could stretch the hydro plants beyond capacity, heightening the risk of a complete system collapse,” Ogaji further warned.
