Reports of Nigerian workers’ abuse by IOC false

By Bimbola Oyesola

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), yesterday, dissociated itself from reports alleging maltreatment of Nigerian workers by an international oil company (IOC), urging the public and industry stakeholders to reject unverified claims and rely solely on officially-issued statements.

In a clarification issued by its National Secretariat and signed by the Acting General Secretary, Jerry Amah, PENGASSAN expressed concern over a recent report believed to be in public domain which alleged that the association accused TotalEnergies Nigeria Limited of maltreatment of Nigerian employees, harassment by expatriates, violations of the Nigerian Local Content Act and racism.

The association categorically denied issuing any such statement or releasing any document to the media on the matter, stressing that the report was not authorised and does not reflect its official position.

According to PENGASSAN, the cited report relied on an internal document exchanged between staff and management without authorisation, describing the act as a serious breach of privacy and confidentiality which the union strongly condemns.

“PENGASSAN is a structured organisation, and only the National Leadership is authorised to communicate the Association’s official position,” the statement said, warning against the misuse of the union’s name to give credibility to unverified allegations.

While acknowledging the right of individuals and groups to raise concerns of national interest, the association cautioned that misrepresentation of its position could create unnecessary workplace tension and damage the reputation of both PENGASSAN and the oil and gas industry.

The National Secretariat also made it clear that PENGASSAN has no affiliation or connection with the group referred to as MIND, as cited in the report, distancing itself completely from the claims attributed to that body.

Reaffirming its core values, the association stressed that its mandate remains the protection of the welfare and professional interests of its members, while promoting industrial harmony and stability across the sector.

“We remain committed to dialogue and constructive engagement with all stakeholders in the oil and gas industry,” PENGASSAN stated, emphasising that sustainable progress can only be achieved through responsible communication and mutual respect.

The union warned that it would not condone sensationalism, misinformation or unverified claims capable of undermining trust, investor confidence and operational stability in the industry.

PENGASSAN disclosed that it has commenced immediate steps to investigate the circumstances surrounding the unauthorised release of the internal document and the misrepresentation of its position.

According to the association, appropriate actions will be taken against individuals or entities found responsible for the breach, in line with its internal processes and established regulations.

In the interim, the union urged employers, employees, the media and the general public to disregard any statement purportedly issued in its name that did not emanate directly from the National Secretariat.

“Our credibility as an institution rests on integrity, due process and responsible engagement,” the association noted, calling on media organisations to verify information before publication in the interest of industrial peace.

The union reiterated the call for all stakeholders to uphold professionalism, verify sources and support stability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.