According to a recent report, an industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has led to the complete shutdown of operations at a major oil facility within Rivers State.
The Oil Mining Lease (OML-18), a critical installation located along the Cawthorne Channel between Degema and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas, has ceased operations due to a protracted labour dispute with NNPC Eighteen Operating Limited (NEOL), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
The report has it that the shutdown follows the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum from PENGASSAN, with the union accusing NEOL of “persistent unfair labour practices.” The official strike directive, issued on Wednesday by the Port Harcourt Zonal Assistant General Secretary, Sere Nwikiabeh, ordered all members to withdraw their services immediately.
The union stated that NEOL management has been “adamant to our demands” despite repeated engagements and an additional grace period.
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PENGASSAN’s grievances, as detailed in an earlier letter dated July 14, 2025, are extensive. The association claims that NEOL has failed to deduct and remit outstanding check-off dues for members attached to ND Engineering Limited.
Furthermore, the union alleges that management has refused to address its Charter of Demands for the commencement of Branch Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations. It also accuses NEOL of continually ignoring the “due rights and privileges” of the elected Branch Executive Committee.
Reportedly, the union has stressed that the strike will continue indefinitely until NEOL addresses all concerns, highlighting its readiness to take all lawful steps necessary to protect its members’ interests.
The action is expected to significantly disrupt oil operations in the state, with the OML-18 facility remaining non-operational until a satisfactory agreement is reached between the parties.
