Operations across Seplat Energy Plc facilities are set to resume after the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) suspended its strike, following a last-minute intervention by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and fresh commitments from the company’s management.
The suspension, which takes immediate effect, brings a pause to days of industrial tension that had already triggered service withdrawals across key Seplat locations, raising fears of disruption to crude oil production at a critical time for Nigeria’s output recovery efforts.
In an internal communication to members across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Eket, Qua Iboe Terminal (QIT), and offshore platforms, the union said the decision was reached after what it described as “constructive and productive engagements” involving Seplat management, labour leaders, and key stakeholders.
“Following constructive and productive engagements between PENGASSAN, Seplat Management, and relevant stakeholders, led by the Executive Vice President, Business Services, NNPCL, on the ongoing 2026 CBA negotiations, we are pleased to inform you that Seplat Management has provided written commitments addressing the demands of the Association,” the union stated.
PENGASSAN added that negotiations would continue immediately, with both parties aiming to conclude and sign the 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) within days. “Negotiations will therefore continue between both parties with the objective of finalising, concluding, and signing the 2026 CBA within the next few days, making it binding upon all stakeholders,” the statement noted.
Based on the progress recorded, the union directed its members to return to work without delay. “Consequently, the Branch Executive Committees hereby direct an immediate suspension of the earlier mandated withdrawal of services. This is to enable both parties to conclude the negotiations and resolve other outstanding welfare matters on or before April 13, 2026, as advised by the stakeholders and the EVP, NNPCL,” it added.
The union also commended its members for their solidarity during the industrial action, stating, “We express our profound appreciation to all members for their steadfast support throughout this action and reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the dignity and welfare of all Seplat Energy Plc employees.”
The suspension comes barely 48 hours after PENGASSAN ordered a total shutdown of operations, citing management’s failure to address welfare concerns and delays in concluding the 2026 CBA. The directive had instructed workers to withdraw services across all Seplat facilities “with immediate effect until further notice,” escalating tensions within the upstream segment.
Industry stakeholders had warned that a prolonged strike could disrupt production and affect Nigeria’s oil output, given Seplat’s strategic role as one of the country’s leading indigenous energy firms with significant onshore and offshore assets.
With operations now set to normalise, attention has shifted to the April 13 deadline for concluding negotiations. Analysts say while the suspension offers immediate relief, failure to reach a final agreement within the timeline could trigger fresh disruptions in an already fragile sector.
The development once again underscores the growing role of government-backed mediation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, with NNPCL increasingly stepping in to stabilise high-stakes labour disputes.
It also marks the second major industrial action by PENGASSAN in less than a year. The union had previously embarked on a strike against Dangote Refinery in September 2025 over the dismissal of more than 800 workers, an action that briefly threatened gas supply before it was called off following negotiations.