Workers at Seplat Energy Plc have suspended their strike action following renewed negotiations and interim commitments on wage adjustments, easing concerns over potential disruptions to Nigeria’s oil and gas output.
The industrial action, which began on Friday, was called off after the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria directed its members to resume work pending the conclusion of ongoing negotiations.
The decision follows a written commitment from Seplat management to address outstanding wage issues under a structured negotiation framework.
Talks have now resumed in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited with both parties targeting April 13 to resolve all pending matters related to the 2026 collective bargaining agreement.
A spokesperson for Seplat confirmed that operations are gradually resuming across its facilities, signaling a return to normal production activities after the brief disruption.
The strike had raised concerns across the energy sector, particularly as Nigeria seeks to maximise crude oil and gas output amid rising global oil prices driven by supply disruptions in key international markets.
Seplat, Nigeria’s largest listed independent oil and gas producer, is targeting production of up to 155,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) in 2026, up from an average of 131,506 boepd recorded in the previous year.
Any prolonged industrial action could have impacted these output targets and constrained supply at a time of heightened global demand.
The suspension of the strike provides short-term stability for Nigeria’s upstream sector and supports ongoing efforts to boost production capacity.
It also underscores the importance of labour relations in maintaining operational continuity within the oil and gas industry.
Market observers will be closely monitoring the outcome of negotiations ahead of the April 13 deadline, as unresolved disputes could trigger renewed industrial action and disrupt output momentum.
