Nigeria’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) has issued a strong call to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate exposure and prosecution of terrorism financiers amid a dangerous surge in nationwide insecurity. The union warned that continuous silence on known sponsors emboldens criminal networks and further threatens the country’s economic stability.
Union Decries Escalating Security Breakdown
Speaking in Abuja after the National Executive Council meeting, PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, said the security situation has “worsened in the last few weeks,” despite the government’s ongoing efforts. He acknowledged the recent appointment of a new Minister of Defence but emphasised that personnel changes alone cannot curb the threat.
“Beyond changing personnel, the government must act decisively to stop this mess,” Osifo stated. He questioned why authorities have repeatedly claimed they know terrorism sponsors yet have not acted decisively.
According to him, “We have heard several times that they know the sponsors of these terrorists. The question is, where are the sponsors? Why haven’t you named them? Why haven’t you exposed them? And haven’t you gone after them and gotten them convicted to serve as deterrents?”
Furthermore, he voiced deep frustration over the repeated condemnations, stressing that leaders must take concrete steps instead of issuing empty statements. Moreover, he stressed that Nigerians have grown “tired of one-minute silences” as communities continue to endure devastating losses. PENGASSAN also supported the National Assembly’s push to classify kidnapping and hostage-taking as terrorism, a move expected to strengthen intelligence operations and expand prosecutorial powers across security agencies.
Economic Hardships Persist Despite Policy Shifts
Transitioning to the nation’s economic struggles, the union criticised the disconnect between reported macroeconomic improvements and the realities facing households. Osifo argued that inflationary claims have not translated to meaningful relief, as food prices and essential commodities remain painfully high.
He stressed that farmers are still unable to access farmlands due to insecurity, worsening food supply gaps and driving up market costs. According to him, until Nigeria builds a secure environment, “no economic policy, no matter how refined, can deliver sustainable relief.”
Labour Dispute With Dangote Refinery Still Unresolved
On labour matters, PENGASSAN confirmed that its industrial dispute with Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd remains unresolved months after the national industrial action. Osifo disclosed that although both parties have held several engagements, “the issues are not fully resolved.”
He also urged oil and gas companies to review wages in response to the severe impact of naira devaluation, warning that global demand for Nigerian technical talent could trigger an industry-wide brain drain if remuneration remains stagnant.
He explained that wage reviews are essential to maintain operational efficiency, especially as midstream and downstream operators face tightening margins and rising cost pressures.
