Juliet Ezeh
Operations of Seplat Energy Plc have been brought to a halt nationwide following an indefinite strike by members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, escalating tensions in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The industrial action, which took effect immediately, has disrupted activities across key operational hubs including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Eket, Qua Iboe Terminal (QIT), and offshore facilities. The directive mandates a total withdrawal of services by union members, effectively grounding production and administrative operations.
At the heart of the dispute are unresolved welfare concerns and the failure to conclude negotiations on the 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Union leaders say talks with company management have dragged on for over 13 weeks without meaningful resolution, despite intervention from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
The union also accused management of failing to honour a scheduled meeting on April 2, further deepening mistrust between both parties.
According to PENGASSAN, key grievances include alleged maltreatment of offshore contract workers, salary delays, unfair staff classification, forced demotions linked to ongoing integration processes, and poor living conditions at field locations.
Despite the shutdown, workers have been instructed to maintain critical safety operations to prevent accidents and protect oil facilities, while suspending all production-related activities, including export and offloading operations.
The shutdown comes at a delicate time for Nigeria’s oil industry. Analysts warn that any prolonged disruption to Seplat’s production—especially given its growing contribution to national output—could weaken crude export volumes, strain supply chains, and further pressure government revenues.
There are also concerns that the standoff could dent investor confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector, particularly as the country battles to meet production targets amid global market uncertainty.
As of press time, management of Seplat Energy had yet to issue an official response to the strike action.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.