The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has issued a stern warning regarding ongoing labor disputes with Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company. The association emphasized the need for immediate resolution to the issues between the oil firm and PENGASSAN. They also called for the removal of Indian expatriates working with the firm in various locations within the oil and gas industry.
During a press conference in Abuja, PENGASSAN’s President, Festus Osifo, highlighted the grievances faced by the union due to alleged anti-labor practices and misuse of the expatriate quota system, resulting in unfair treatment of Nigerian workers. Osifo emphasized that failure to address these concerns could lead to significant disruptions in the sector, as a majority of upstream workers are members of the association.
Osifo pointed out that the allocation of quotas to the firm violated Nigerian Content Development Board Act regulations. He warned that if the issues persisted without resolution, a national strike would be declared. Osifo urged the government to uphold existing laws and regulations to avoid potential revenue loss.
The association has already taken action by informing its members at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, crucial for lifting operations, resulting in the suspension of operations. Osifo indicated that further engagement with stakeholders would occur, but emphasized that if no action is taken, a nationwide strike would be inevitable, leading to the shutdown of upstream operations.