By: Odieh Ramon, Yenagoa.

The Movement of Intellectuals for National Development (MIND), a prominent Civil Society group in Nigeria, has publicly condemned the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) for its recent response to complaints regarding the treatment of Nigerian employees at TotalEnergies.

MIND asserts that PENGASSAN’s attempt to distance itself from the petition, which was submitted to the President of the Nigerian Senate, is disappointing and evasive.

According to Ebi Warekromo, MIND’s Western coordinator, the organization’s petition is founded on verified facts and the experiences of affected workers.

He emphasized that it draws on documented correspondence by the local branch of PENGASSAN, which has previously expressed concerns over unfair labour practices and managerial misconduct at TotalEnergies.

According to him, key issues highlighted include allegations of bullying and intimidation perpetuated by expatriate staff members.

Other concerns raised are serious security breaches and violations of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, especially the illegal extension of expatriate staff positions beyond their approved tenures.

MIND criticized PENGASSAN’s dismissal of their documentation as “internal correspondence,” calling such a characterization weak and disingenuous.

“Workers’ rights violations and systemic oppression are not internal issues once they begin to harm Nigerian workers,” Warekromo stated.

The organization argues that confidentiality cannot be misused to shield injustices, insisting that internal resolutions must produce tangible results; otherwise, public oversight is warranted.

The group’s concerns extend to the credibility and independence of PENGASSAN in representing its members, questioning its willingness to confront corporate powers on behalf of the workforce. They urged the union to welcome a Senate hearing, seeing it as a chance to clarify its position and renew trust with its workers.

“We are not attacking PENGASSAN; rather, we are responding to the lack of effective representation that has allowed these oppressive practices to go unchecked.”

MIND emphasized. The organization reiterated its stance that where unions hesitate to act, civil society must intervene to ensure justice and fair treatment in labour relations.

MIND advocates for a collaborative approach among all stakeholders, including workers, unions, and regulatory bodies, to promote a healthier working environment within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

It asserts that an inquiry could become a pivotal platform for addressing critical issues surrounding labour rights and corporate accountability.

MIND assured that it remains steadfast in advocating for the rights of Nigerian workers, urging PENGASSAN to take substantial action to uphold its responsibilities as a labour union.