The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has issued a strong demand to the Federal Government, urging it to publicly identify and prosecute the financial backers of terrorism. The union also called for immediate action to stop the escalating kidnappings plaguing the nation.
A Pressing Appeal for Action
PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, made this urgent appeal on Thursday, 4 December 2025, during a press conference in Abuja. The briefing followed the union's National Executive Council meeting. Osifo warned that the deteriorating security situation poses a direct threat to Nigeria's development and the everyday safety of its people.
"During the NEC session, we discussed the critical issues facing our nation, centering on the state of insecurity," Osifo stated. "We have all witnessed how the situation has worsened in recent weeks." He acknowledged the impending swearing-in of a new Minister of Defence but stressed that beyond changing personnel, decisive action from all levels of government is required to curb this menace.
Questioning the Silence on Sponsors
Osifo directly challenged the government's hesitation to name individuals known to support terrorist activities. "We have heard on numerous occasions that the sponsors of these terrorists are known. The pressing question is: where are they?" he asked. "Why haven't you named them? Why haven't you pursued them, detained them, and secured convictions to serve as a deterrent to others?"
He highlighted the profound human cost, describing kidnappings on highways, in schools, homes, farms, and markets as "terrorism in its purest form." Osifo pointed to the closure of schools in northern Nigeria, stating, "A child who should be taking exams is confined at home because terrorism prevents them from attending school."
As a solution to improve security, the PENGASSAN President advocated for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralizing policing would enhance citizen protection.
Broader Economic and Labour Concerns
Beyond security, PENGASSAN criticized the government for the slow implementation of macroeconomic policies that should provide tangible relief to Nigerians. Osifo urged authorities to ensure these policies effectively reduce food prices and create a safe environment for farmers to return to their fields.
On labour issues, Osifo noted that several industrial disputes, including ongoing matters with Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd, remain unresolved. He expressed a preference for negotiation, saying, "We hope these issues are resolved at the table so we do not regress. As PENGASSAN, we do not shy away from doing what is right, but our preference is resolution through dialogue."
Regarding the oil and gas sector, Osifo emphasized the need for competitive wages to retain skilled personnel and curb brain drain. "A drilling engineer in Nigeria performs the same job as one in the United States or Abu Dhabi. Companies must offer competitive conditions to keep the best talent," he asserted.
The event also marked the retirement of the Union's General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa. In his remarks, Okugbawa reinforced the vital role of unions, stating, "Labour must use its intellect and strength to engage with capital. Capital seeks to maximize profit, but through capacity building, data, and advocacy, workers can secure better conditions."
