The country's leading petroleum union, PENGASSAN, has threatened to strike in protest of ExxonMobil's recent decision to fire 100 union workers.

ExxonMobil officials have since denied any wrongdoing, saying those employees let go were given generous compensation packages during the current round of restructuring.

Nigerian news sources initially reported the strike was set to begin Tuesday, though PENGASSAN representatives said no potential work stoppage would commence this week.

"One thing we said was that there was a looming strike. We have not … taken a date for a strike," said Peter Esele, the union's president.

Until then, the union is scheduled to meet with government officials in an effort to avoid a stoppage, Nigeria's This Day newspaper reported Wednesday.