Workers at Seplat Energy, Nigeria’s largest independent oil and gas producer, began an indefinite strike ​on Friday in a move that could crimp ‌output just as rising global oil prices increase pressure on the country to maximise supply.

The action by members of the Petroleum and ​Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), a union ​of professional oil staff, follows a breakdown in ⁠talks over a 2026 collective bargaining agreement and staff ​welfare issues, the union said in two letters to the ​CEO seen by Reuters.

It said action was “until further notice”.

Seplat Energy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

PENGASSAN said its members would ​suspend most operations, including production reporting and export activities, ​while maintaining only essential safety and power functions.

The strike notice covers onshore ‌and ⁠offshore assets, joint‑venture operations and offices nationwide from Friday. Other less skilled workers are covered by a second union that is not on strike.

Seplat Energy’s group production averaged 131,506 ​barrels of oil ​equivalent per ⁠day in 2025, according to its latest audited results.

That is the equivalent of around ​7%–9% of Nigeria’s total liquids production.

The company expects ​output ⁠to rise to 155,000 boepd, making any sustained disruption particularly sensitive for Nigeria’s supply outlook.

Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil producer ⁠and ​higher oil prices, fiscal pressures and ​the ramp‑up of the Dangote refinery have sharpened the government’s need to lift crude output ​and foreign‑exchange earnings.

REUTERS