April 16, 2025 – By SpringNewsNG Media Limited

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has initiated a nationwide work stoppage by its members employed under Newcross Exploration and Production Ltd, following the company’s recent disciplinary actions against union-affiliated employees.

The union’s leadership accused Newcross—operators of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 24 in Rivers State—of issuing suspension and query letters to its staff without involving or consulting the union. PENGASSAN described the move as unfair and contrary to existing industrial relations protocols.

The development was confirmed through an official release signed by Assistant General Secretary of PENGASSAN’s Port Harcourt Zonal Council, Sere Nwikabeh, and shared with the press on Monday.

Union Responds with Nationwide Work Halt

According to the statement, PENGASSAN has instructed all its members working in any facility managed by Newcross across the country to immediately cease work activities until the affected employees are reinstated and all disciplinary letters withdrawn.

“The union is compelled to take this position in response to the unjustified disciplinary actions taken by Newcross E&P against our members without prior engagement with the Association,” the statement read.

PENGASSAN emphasized that the decision is part of its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and job security.

“This service withdrawal is a strategic and preventive step to safeguard the professional interests and welfare of our members,” the union stated. “We will maintain this stance until Newcross retracts the disciplinary actions and begins negotiations on our Branch Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).”

Implications for Nigeria’s Oil Sector

The strike could potentially disrupt oil operations linked to OML 24 and other Newcross-managed sites, raising concerns about broader implications for crude oil output and labor relations within the country’s energy sector.

PENGASSAN is widely known for its influence in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, and its actions often trigger industry-wide responses when labor disputes arise.