The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called off its strike at Seplat Energy Plc after fresh commitments from the company to address workers’ welfare concerns and conclude negotiations on the 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The suspension takes immediate effect after days of service withdrawal across Seplat’s offices and operational sites, a situation that had raised concerns about possible disruptions to oil production.
In a message to members across locations including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Eket, Qua Iboe Terminal and offshore platforms, the union said the decision followed constructive talks involving union leaders, Seplat management and key stakeholders in the industry.
A significant breakthrough came with the involvement of the Executive Vice President, Business Services at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), whose intervention helped bring both sides back to the negotiation table.
According to the union, Seplat has now provided written assurances addressing the issues raised by workers. Both parties have agreed to resume negotiations immediately with the aim of concluding and signing the 2026 CBA within the next few days.
Based on this progress, the union’s branch executives directed all members to return to work to allow talks to continue without further disruption. Outstanding welfare matters are expected to be resolved on or before April 13, 2026.
PENGASSAN also appreciated its members for their unity and support during the industrial action, reiterating its commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of workers.
The strike had initially been declared on April 2 after the union accused management of failing to address key welfare issues and delaying the conclusion of the CBA, affecting both permanent and contract staff.
Industry stakeholders had warned that a prolonged shutdown at Seplat, one of Nigeria’s major indigenous oil and gas producers, could impact crude output at a time when the country is working to stabilise production levels.
Observers say the development highlights the growing role of mediation by NNPCL in resolving industrial disputes in the oil and gas sector. However, attention now shifts to whether both parties can meet the April 13 deadline to finalise the agreement and prevent fresh tensions.
