September has been anything but quiet for Nigeria’s oil & gas sector. From refinery strikes to new upstream contracts and even renewable breakthroughs, the industry is showing both its challenges and its opportunities. At Deepshores Energy, we believe staying informed is the first step to staying ahead.
1. Dangote Refinery Under Pressure
The month saw labor unrest shake the country’s largest refinery. PENGASSAN launched a nationwide strike after Dangote Refinery sacked over 800 workers. To make matters more complex, the refinery also halted petrol sales in naira due to crude supply issues. Some unions even ordered a suspension of crude and gas deliveries.
Impact: If disruptions persist, downstream supply and pricing could take a hit, potentially affecting transport and manufacturing costs nationwide.
2. Local & Indigenous Capacity Expands
Green Energy and other Nigerian operators moved forward with plans to commission the country’s first indigenous onshore crude terminal at Otakikpo. Meanwhile, the NNPC signed a new two-year crude supply deal with Dangote Refinery.
Impact: This signals Nigeria’s determination to keep more of the value chain local, creating jobs, boosting export capacity, and strengthening security around crude flows.
3. Gas & Renewables in Focus
TotalEnergies signed gas-focused PSCs under Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), while mini-grid and solar adoption surged in rural areas. Firms like Darway Coast are building integrated solar + battery solutions to power homes and SMEs.
Impact: Gas is gaining recognition as Nigeria’s “transition fuel,” while renewable adoption reflects a growing push for energy independence beyond the grid.
4. Security & Governance Remain Critical
Allegations of sabotage, workforce restructuring, and emergency rule in Rivers State (recently lifted) highlight the need for operational security and governance stability in oil-producing regions.
Impact: Even with growth, trust and security remain the backbone of sustained investment.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s oil & gas sector in September shows a dynamic picture: challenges in the downstream, opportunities in local refining and exports, and momentum in gas and renewables. For businesses and investors, it’s clear—the energy future is being reshaped, and now is the time to engage.
At Deepshores Energy, we’re committed to powering progress through reliable petroleum solutions, facility management, and EPC services.
Stay tuned for our October updates—and let’s shape the future of energy together.