… to prioritize internal conflict resolution, proactive management of future concerns

Oredola Adeola

Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) has resolved all outstanding issues with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), thereby committing itself to full compliance with federal laws and industry regulations.

Advisors Reports confirmed this development through a source not authorized to speak publicly, following collaborative engagements between PENGASSAN and SEEPCO led by the Federal Government on June 4, 2025.

He noted that the commitment aims to permanently resolve the dispute and foster industrial harmony and sustainable growth.

According to a source within the Ministry, the agreement is the result of several rounds of meetings held since the start of the year, all under the close supervision of government authorities.

He stated that the milestone reflects a shared resolve to advance industrial harmony, align with national production objectives, and improve the welfare of workers in the oil and gas industry.

The management of Sterling Oil, in response to the agreement, reaffirmed its commitment to regulatory compliance, the development of Nigerian talent, and ongoing constructive engagement with stakeholders.

The company emphasized that these efforts are rooted in mutual respect and a long-term collaborative approach, pledging to prioritize internal conflict resolution and proactive management of future concerns.

Sterling Oil also extended its gratitude to the leadership of PENGASSAN, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and NNPC Limited for their critical roles in reaching a fair and forward-looking agreement.

The company described the resolution as a significant step toward rebuilding trust and reinforcing cooperation across the sector, reiterating its focus on supporting Nigeria’s energy growth through sustainable, inclusive practices and continued partnership with organized labour.

Advisors Reports recalled that in March 2025, PENGASSAN shut down operations at the company’s facilities in Lagos and Port Harcourt over allegations of anti-labour practices, discrimination against Nigerian workers, and breaches of expatriate quota regulations.

The union maintained that 10,000 job roles currently held by Indian expatriates at Sterling Oil should be made available to qualified Nigerians, urging the Federal Government to work with them to facilitate this transition.

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in May 2025 acknowledged noncompliance concerns in SEEPCO’s operations raised by PENGASSAN; it therefore issued strict deadlines for corrective action and warned that such violations would no longer be tolerated.