By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has issued a bold challenge to the Federal Government: name and prosecute the sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria.

The association’s president, Comrade Festus Osifo, threw the gauntlet on Thursday while briefing journalists at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, after the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in session. The labour leader delivered a lengthy review of the state of the oil and gas industry, the union’s recent achievements, and the escalating national insecurity threatening workers and citizens across the country.

Osifo said the NEC meeting examined all major developments in the industry since the first NEC session of the year, noting both progress and persistent challenges affecting PENGASSAN members across various branches.

According to him, one of the union’s biggest successes remains its ability to navigate the wave of industry divestments without mass layoffs, an outcome he described as “a major victory” considering the turbulence that has followed oil asset transfers nationwide.

He explained that post-divestment issues persist in some companies, but affirmed that union engagement helped prevent widespread job losses and stabilize affected branches.

Osifo also highlighted the signing of numerous new Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) across the International Oil Companies (IOCs), government agencies, service companies, and the marketing sector. These agreements, he said, significantly improved wages and working conditions and brought “smiles to the faces of our members.”

However, he warned that the sharp devaluation of the naira, coupled with super-inflation, is pushing oil and gas professionals toward mass emigration.
“In this industry, our skills are globally competitive,” Osifo said. “A drilling engineer in Nigeria is as qualified as one in the U.S. or Abu Dhabi. It takes only a snap of the finger for our members to leave the country if conditions worsen.”

The PENGASSAN president stressed that unless companies adjust remuneration to reflect the current economic reality, Nigeria risks experiencing “a brain drain far worse than what other sectors are witnessing.”

Osifo further disclosed that the NEC reviewed the ongoing crisis at some refineries and chemical plants, including unresolved labour issues at certain privately owned facilities. While dialogue continues, he warned that the union would not hesitate to escalate actions if matters remain unresolved.

“PENGASSAN does not shy away from doing what is right,” he said. “Our preference is negotiation, but we will defend our members’ rights with every legal tool available.”

Turning to national security, Osifo expressed deep concern over worsening violence across Nigeria, lamenting the nationwide impact on workers, families, and businesses.

He issued a direct challenge to the federal authorities:
“The government must name the sponsors of terrorists. Nigerians deserve to know who is behind the destruction of lives and property.”

The labour leader said PENGASSAN stands ready to work with all stakeholders to restore peace, but insisted that accountability must begin at the top.

As insecurity intensifies and economic pressures mount, the union’s declaration sets the stage for what may become a pivotal national debate over transparency, governance, and the future of Nigeria’s workforce.