PENGASSAN grounds Seplat operations, takes over work sites

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Fresh tension is brewing in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector as oil workers have shut down the operations of Seplat Energy Plc across multiple locations nationwide. Vanguard Newspapers gathered the total shutdown, which began today, followed a directive by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, for an immediate withdrawal of services at Seplat Energy Plc across multiple locations nationwide. The move, which affects operations in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Eket, QIT, and offshore assets, signals a major escalation in the dispute between workers and management over unresolved welfare issues and stalled negotiations on the 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement CBA.

The industrial action is expected to have significant implications for Nigeria’s crude oil output, particularly at a time when the global energy market remains volatile.

Any disruption to Seplat’s onshore and offshore production—especially given its recent expansion and increased contribution to national output—could further strain supply chains, weaken export volumes, and impact government revenues already under pressure.

Analysts warn that prolonged shutdowns may also affect investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil sector, as the country struggles to maintain production targets amid rising global demand and geopolitical uncertainties.

Vanguard Newspapers gathered that officials of PENGASSAN have already communicated with all appropriate authorities on the development through Itohowo ‘Kastro’ Ekop (Branch Secretary, PENGASSAN SEPNU Branch) and Oghenedoro Oviesa) Branch Secretary, PENGASSAN SEPNU Contract Branch.

In one of the letters sighted by Vanguard Newspapers, the aggrieved leaders of the workers wrote, “On behalf of the Branch Secretariats and Branch Executive Committees (BECs) of the PENGASSAN SEPNU Branch and the PENGASSAN SEPNU Contract Branch, this notice serves to formally update members on ongoing engagements with Seplat Energy PLC Management regarding staff welfare and the 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).