The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has suspended its industrial action against Seplat Energy Plc following fresh commitments by the company’s management to address workers’ welfare concerns and conclude ongoing negotiations on the 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The decision, which takes immediate effect, comes after days of tension that led to service withdrawals across Seplat’s operations, raising concerns about potential disruptions to oil production.

In a letter addressed to members across the company’s locations in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Eket, QIT, and offshore facilities, the union said the suspension followed “constructive and productive engagements” involving the management, union leaders, and key stakeholders.

Our correspondent obtained a copy of the letter on Saturday.

The union noted that the intervention of the Executive Vice President, Business Services at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, played a critical role in resolving the impasse.

“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 letter stated.

It added that both parties had agreed to continue negotiations with a view to reaching an agreement 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 union said.

Based on the progress made, the Branch Executive Committees of both the PENGASSAN SEPNU Branch and the Contract Branch directed members to return to work immediately.

“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,” the statement added.

The union also commended its members for their support and solidarity throughout the industrial action.

“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,” it said.

The suspension comes barely hours after the union had ordered a total shutdown of operations over what it described as management’s refusal to address employees’ welfare issues and conclude negotiations on the 2026 CBA.

In its earlier directive dated April 2, the union had instructed all members to withdraw services across all Seplat locations “with immediate effect until further notice,” citing failed negotiations and unmet demands affecting both staff and contract workers.

The action heightened concerns within the oil and gas sector, given Seplat’s strategic role as one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy companies with significant onshore and offshore assets.

Stakeholders warned that a prolonged strike could impact crude oil output and disrupt upstream operations, especially at a time when Nigeria is striving to stabilise production and boost revenues.

The suspension is expected to bring immediate relief to operations, although stakeholders say the outcome now hinges on the ability of both parties to meet the April 13 deadline for concluding the agreement.

The development highlights the increasing role of government-backed mediation in resolving industrial disputes in the oil and gas sector, with Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited continuing to serve as a key stabilising force in high-stakes negotiations.

However, any delay in reaching a final agreement within the agreed timeline could trigger fresh tensions, making the coming days critical for both labour and management.

The latest action marks the second major industrial dispute involving Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria in eight months.

The union had earlier embarked on a strike against Dangote Refinery on September 27, 2025, over the dismissal of more than 800 workers.

During the action, PENGASSAN directed its members across international oil companies to scale down gas production and supply to the refinery, escalating concerns across the energy value chain.

The strike was, however, called off on October 1, 2025, following interventions and negotiations between the parties. (The PUNCH)

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