Workers of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) on Tuesday morning shut down the company’s Broad Street office in Lagos, barricading the gate in a protest coordinated by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

The action caused traffic disruption in the area as protesters blocked vehicular access to the premises, including vehicles belonging to senior officials. Although some staff were initially allowed into the compound, entry was later completely restricted.

In a strike notice sighted by Vanguard, the workers accused SNEPCo’s management of pay discrimination against Nigerian staff, unfair benchmarking under its global pay structure, and implementing a “Best-in-Basin” cost-cutting policy that allegedly undermines staff welfare.

They described allowances as non-market reflective, citing a N1 million car grant as unrealistic under current economic conditions.

The workers also alleged deteriorating working conditions for certain staff categories and claimed expatriates were taking over roles meant for Nigerians.

They further linked heavy workload, stress, debt burden and repeated restructuring to what they termed “Non-Accidental Deaths” among colleagues.

The protest comes amid SNEPCo’s recent divestment activities in Nigeria, with operations now largely centred in Lagos alongside Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG).

As of press time, management had yet to issue an official response.