The proposed sale of SHELL onshore assets has been rejected by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), citing concerns about the group speculated to acquire the assets.

PENGASSAN claims that the consortium involved in the purchase, including ND Western Limited, Aradel Holdings Pic, The Petrolin Group, FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited, and the Waltersmith Group, comprises unknown entities lacking a proven track record in managing diverse assets.

PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, expressed the association’s rejection of the terms affecting employees and issued a strike notice nationwide. The statement emphasized the group’s unfamiliarity with the consortium and raised concerns about the historical treatment of workers by one of the companies involved. PENGASSAN urged the group to clarify its intentions and engage in meaningful discussions with the association to address employee concerns before any asset transfer.