By Paul Williams
The intervention by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment failed to stop the strike action embarked on by workers of Cameron/Onesubsea Offshore Systems Limited, pushing it into the third day.
The strike action further raises concerns over potential disruptions to Nigeria’s offshore oil and gas supply chain.
Cameron/Onesubsea, a subsidiary of Schlumberger, provides subsea systems, flow equipment, and offshore technology solutions, is regarded as a critical service provider to Nigeria’s offshore production activities.
A conciliation meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Port Harcourt ended in a deadlock on September 10, 2025, and could not lift the strike action which had crippled operations at the company’s Onne facility.
The industrial dispute, which Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) said was triggered by unfair labour practices and stalled 2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, has raised concerns about potential disruptions to Nigeria’s offshore oil and gas supply chain.
Sere Nwikiabeh, PENGASSAN Assistant General Secretary, Port Harcourt Zone, in a directive issued on Monday September 8, 2025 accused Cameron/Onesubsea of rebuffing genuine efforts to resolve the matter.
“We have exhausted all avenues of negotiation and dialogue, and it has become clear that the management is not willing to engage with us in good faith. In light of this, we have decided to take a more decisive action to protect and defend our members’ rights,” he said.
The union instructed its members to down tools beginning 12:00am Tuesday, September 9, 2025, declaring that the strike would continue until their demands are met.
“The association hereby directs its members at the Cameron/Onesubsea Branch to embark on a strike action, effective 12:00am, September 9, 2025 until our demands are met. We are confident that with your solidarity and support, we will be able to achieve our objective and secure the respect that we deserve,” he added.
Following the strike, the Labour Ministry summoned both parties to an urgent conciliation meeting at the Federal Secretariat Complex, Port Harcourt, stressing the need for “utmost cooperation of the parties” to resolve the dispute.
However, after hours of deliberations on September 10, 2025, the company and workers could not reach agreement.
Confirming the outcome, George Nwoko, PENGASSAN Chairman, Port Harcourt Zone, Comrade said “The meeting has ended in deadlock. Management was not ready to shift ground. Our members will remain on strike until there is a fair resolution.”
The directive to strike was also copied to key authorities including the President of PENGASSAN, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigerian Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, and the Director of DSS.
