PENGASSAN Pickets Sterling Oil Over Anti-Labour Activities

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has staged a protest at the headquarters of Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited, accusing the firm of engaging in anti-labour practices. The union’s action comes after repeated attempts to address concerns over unfair treatment of workers, alleged contract violations, and poor working conditions.

According to PENGASSAN, Sterling Oil has consistently failed to uphold labour rights, including fair wages, job security, and proper welfare for employees. The union claims that the company engages in casualization—employing workers on temporary contracts without benefits—despite clear labour laws prohibiting such practices in the oil and gas sector. Union leaders have also alleged that some workers were unfairly dismissed for demanding better working conditions, an act they described as a violation of labour rights.

The protest saw union members chanting solidarity songs, carrying placards, and demanding that Sterling Oil immediately address their grievances. PENGASSAN officials stated that they had engaged in several negotiations with the company, but management remained uncooperative, leaving them with no choice but to take industrial action.

Speaking on the development, PENGASSAN’s leadership emphasized that oil workers play a crucial role in Nigeria’s economy and should not be subjected to unfair treatment. They called on the Ministry of Labour and Employment to intervene and ensure that Sterling Oil complies with established labour laws and best practices.

The union has threatened to escalate its actions if Sterling Oil fails to meet its demands, including a review of workers’ contracts, improved welfare packages, and the reinstatement of dismissed employees. PENGASSAN warned that prolonged disputes in the oil sector could disrupt operations and affect the country’s petroleum production, urging all stakeholders to resolve the matter amicably.

As tensions rise, industry watchers are closely monitoring the situation, as labour disputes in the oil and gas sector have historically led to production shutdowns and revenue losses. The outcome of this standoff will likely have significant implications for both workers and the company, as well as broader industrial relations in Nigeria’s energy sector.