Exxon workers call off strike in Nigeria: Update

Recasts with ExxonMobil statement

ExxonMobil said it has resumed "normal" operations at its oil terminals in Nigeria after successful negotiations to end industrial action by workers.

The strike, which began last week, prompted ExxonMobil to declare force majeure on crude shipments from four Nigerian export facilities. The release of the June loading programmes for the four affected grades — Qua Iboe, Erha, Yoho and Usan — was delayed as a result. Combined exports of the four grades are scheduled at just over 300,000 b/d in May.

Following a "tripartite meeting" between Nigeria's state-owned oil company NNPC, ExxonMobil and the country's Pengassan oil and gas workers' union, the latter has decided to call off the strike, NNPC said.

The industrial action followed a breakdown in the latest three-year periodic negotiations between ExxonMobil and its Nigerian staff. Workers' demands included a pay rise to keep pace with inflation, as well as improvements to working conditions. They were also protesting against management proposals to change the early retirement age and working rotas.

A pay adjustment has now been agreed, along with "a five-month timeline to review the proposals for a possible change in rota schedule for operations staff", NNPC said.

ExxonMobil said it appreciates "the efforts of all parties and stakeholders in resolving the impasse".

By Giulio Bajona