The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has issued a stark warning about an impending mass exodus of highly skilled professionals from the country's vital oil and gas industry.
Economic Pressures Fueling Talent Flight
PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, raised the alarm during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, 4 December 2025. He stated that the combination of low remuneration, the devaluation of the Naira, and soaring inflation is pushing skilled workers to seek opportunities abroad.
Osifo emphasized that the technical skills possessed by Nigerian oil and gas workers are in high demand globally. He drew a direct comparison, noting that a drilling engineer in Nigeria performs the same complex job as their counterpart in the United States or Abu Dhabi, yet faces a stark disparity in compensation and living conditions.
Urgent Call to Retain Nigeria's Best
The union leader urged both the union and employing companies to take decisive steps to address the widening wage gap. "If we don't act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child's play," Osifo cautioned, highlighting the critical risk to the industry's future.
He reported that recent collective bargaining agreements with government agencies, international oil companies, and service firms have provided some relief to members. However, he called on companies delaying salary reviews to align pay with the current harsh economic realities. "This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions," Osifo asserted.
Broader Calls on Security and Economic Policy
Osifo also addressed the impact of national insecurity on the economy and citizens' welfare. He urged the government to move beyond mere condemnations of terrorism and kidnappings and take concrete action to expose sponsors and protect citizens.
On the economy, he stressed that macroeconomic gains must translate to tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians. "Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures," he stated, calling for better coordination between fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic improvements reach every household.
