The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) yesterday sustained its industrial action against Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd, barricading the company’s headquarters in Lagos.
The picketing was carried out over alleged anti-labour practices, discrimination against Nigerian workers, and violations of expatriate quota regulations.
The picketing exercise started on Tuesday with members of PENGASSAN carrying placards as they continued on Wednesday.
The placards had inscriptions such as “Stop Victimisation of Nigerians,” “End Unsafe Work Conditions,” “Sterling Flouts Nigerian Laws and Regulations,” among others.
The National President of PENGASSAN, Comrade Festus Osifo revealed that there are already 10,000 job opportunities ready to be filled in Sterling Oil, and the government must partner with the association to ensure that this happens.
According to him, if expatriates leave, over 10,000 Nigerians will step in within the next 10 months.
Osifo said, “We are in Lagos for awareness, but the main protest is happening across field locations. If the Indian expatriates are not sent back to their countries and the government agencies fail to fulfill their responsibilities—something we have communicated to the Chief Executive of NUPRC—this could escalate into a national industrial action.
“After the Tuesday protest, the management of Sterling called us to a meeting at Eko Hotels & Suites.
“However, we informed them that PENGASSAN members are men of integrity. Any meeting that must be held must take place in broad daylight, with the Chief Executive of NUPRC and the Executive Secretary of NCDMB in attendance—not just commissioners of these agencies. This is a must because these are very serious issues.
“Since yesterday, we have withdrawn all our members from NUPRC loading terminals, effectively halting the loading of crude oil at the Sterling facility.”
“On Tuesday night, when Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, the Chief Executive of NUPRC, reached out to me, pleading for de-escalation of our industrial action to pave the way for a meeting next week, we insisted that loading would not resume until the meeting was held.
“Currently, Sterling Oil produces about 80,000 barrels per day and has operations across Nigeria. The high number of Indian expatriates is because they are employed in roles that Nigerians can easily handle, including vulcanizing, welding, cooking, and gardening.”
Meanwhile, SEEPCO in its reaction said it took the alleged issues by PENGASSAN “with utmost seriousness and responded immediately, displaying a commitment to resolve the issue and address any concerns by open, transparent, and constructive dialogue with the Union.”
“As responsible corporate citizens, we adhere to federal laws and industry regulations. Our unwavering commitment to the welfare of employees, host communities, and stakeholders enables us to maintain high standards in labor relations, environmental sustainability, and corporate governance.”
SEEPCO clarified that it abides by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between PENGASSAN, Industrial Act and Laws of the federal republic of Nigeria to its letter and spirit.
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