(JUBA) – Greater Pioneer Operating Company Limited has formally raised concerns over a directive to recall Nilepet staff currently seconded to its operations, warning that the move could affect operational readiness as South Sudan prepares for the resumption of oil production.
In a letter addressed to Nilepet Managing Director Emmanuel Athiei Ayual and copied to senior officials in the Ministry of Petroleum and joint venture partners, GPOC said the recall decision had been reviewed internally and was found to present technical, operational and human resource risks at a sensitive stage for the oil fields.
GPOC explained that its operations are currently focused on preparations for restarting production after an extended shutdown. This phase, the company said, requires highly experienced technical staff who can contribute immediately to plant safety, production optimisation and system integrity without the need for close supervision or extended training.
According to the operator, an internal assessment of the two Nilepet engineers concerned showed that they do not yet have the level of experience required to support complex production systems or to resolve operational challenges independently. GPOC noted that deploying staff who still need significant support could place additional pressure on existing teams and increase operational risk at a time when stability and efficiency are critical.
The company stressed that workforce decisions at this stage must prioritise safety and productivity. It said any deployment that does not add clear operational value could undermine efforts to restore output smoothly and cost effectively, which remains a key objective for both the operator and the government.
GPOC also raised concerns over the inclusion of staff currently on maternity leave in the recall process. From both a welfare and operational perspective, the company said recalling such staff was impractical and offered no immediate benefit to ongoing preparations. It warned that such actions could negatively affect staff morale and well being while failing to address operational needs on the ground.
Another issue highlighted was the timing of the recall. GPOC stated that production has not yet resumed and that several technical and logistical milestones still need to be completed. In this context, recalling secondees before confirmed production timelines are in place could result in idle deployment, unnecessary administrative costs and unclear roles for returning staff.
The operator argued that a phased approach linked directly to agreed production restart and ramp up plans would be more effective. This, it said, would allow Nilepet to nominate staff with the right skills at the point when they are genuinely required, ensuring better use of resources and stronger operational outcomes.
The main issues raised by GPOC are summarised below:
| Area of concern | GPOC position |
|---|---|
| Technical skills | Current secondees assessed as not meeting immediate operational needs |
| Production timing | Recall considered premature before confirmed restart |
| Staff welfare | Recall of staff on maternity leave viewed as unreasonable |
| Resource use | Risk of idle deployment and added costs |
GPOC concluded by requesting that Nilepet review its decision and maintain existing secondment arrangements until production timelines are finalised, operational skill requirements are clearly defined and appropriately experienced personnel can be identified.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation with Nilepet and other partners, including the Ministry of Petroleum and international joint venture members, and said it remains open to further technical and management discussions to agree on a practical and mutually beneficial way forward.