After months of behind-the-scenes negotiations, Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have officially put their differences to rest—thanks to a truce brokered by the Federal Government.

The resolution, which sources say was sealed on June 4, follows several rounds of high-level meetings that began earlier this year. The process was led and supervised by key authorities in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Peace for Progress

According to insiders at the ministry, the peace deal is aimed at restoring industrial harmony, enhancing productivity in Nigeria’s oil sector, and improving the welfare of workers.

More than just a ceasefire, the agreement is being described as a roadmap for long-term collaboration. Both SEEPCO and PENGASSAN have agreed to:

Respect federal laws and industry regulations,

Maintain internal dialogue mechanisms for resolving future issues,

Commit to transparency and mutual respect in ongoing engagements.

Sterling Oil: “We’re In This Together”

Sterling Oil used the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to:

Regulatory compliance,

Local capacity building for Nigerian professionals,

Sustainable practices that align with national development goals.

In a statement, the company expressed gratitude to PENGASSAN leadership, the Ministries of Petroleum and Labour, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and NNPC Limited for facilitating what it described as a “fair and forward-looking” resolution.

PENGASSAN’s Role and What Lies Ahead

For PENGASSAN, the deal is a win not only for its members but also for the stability of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The union has emphasized that this truce is a fresh start, and it looks forward to more proactive engagement with Sterling Oil and other stakeholders.

A Big Win for the Industry

This resolution is being seen as a positive turning point for the oil and gas industry, which has recently faced challenges ranging from worker disputes to regulatory bottlenecks. With this development, experts say Nigeria is one step closer to unlocking its full energy potential.

As Sterling Oil put it:

“We remain committed to building Nigeria’s energy future—together, sustainably, and inclusively.”