By: Goodluck E. Adubazi: Abuja.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has distanced itself from allegations published in This Day Newspaper accusing TotalEnergies Nigeria Limited of maltreating Nigerian employees and violating the Nigerian Local Content Act.

In a statement issued by its National Secretariat, PENGASSAN said it did not author, approve, or release any statement alleging harassment of Nigerian workers by expatriates, racism, or other infractions attributed to the international oil company.

The association described the publication as misleading, stressing that the document cited by the newspaper was an internal communication between staff and management that was obtained and published without authorization.
According to PENGASSAN, the release of the document constitutes a serious breach of privacy and confidentiality, an action the union strongly condemned.
“The National Leadership of PENGASSAN has not issued any statement on this matter nor provided any document to the media,” the association said, emphasizing that only its National Leadership is empowered to speak on its behalf.

While acknowledging the right of individuals and groups to raise issues of national concern, PENGASSAN warned against the misuse of its name to give credibility to what it described as unverified allegations. The union noted that such actions could heighten workplace tension and harm the reputation of both the association and the wider oil and gas industry.

PENGASSAN also clarified that it has no affiliation or connection with the group identified as “MIND,” which was referenced in the publication.

Reaffirming its commitment to industrial harmony, the association said it remains open to dialogue and constructive engagement with stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, adding that it would not support sensationalism capable of destabilizing the industry.

The union disclosed that it has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized disclosure of the internal document and would take appropriate disciplinary action against those found responsible.

The statement was signed by Comrade Jerry Amah Jr., ANIPR, MSc, ICTILO, Acting General Secretary of PENGASSAN.

In the interim, PENGASSAN urged stakeholders and the general public to disregard any statement or publication not officially issued by its National Secretariat.