Oil & Gas Industry: PENGASSAN Kicks Against Flagrant Abuse Of Expatriate Quota

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has raised concerns about the high number of expatriates in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, highlighting the negative impact this has on national development. Comrade Festus Osifo, during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, called for urgent action from the Federal Government to strengthen regulatory mechanisms in the oil and gas industry. He emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of local content regulations to promote transparency, and accountability, and ensure fair distribution of the country’s natural resources for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Osifo argued that while skilled foreign workers contribute to economic development, the current reliance on expatriates, coupled with alleged quota abuses, raises concerns about long-term sustainability. He pointed out that the presence of many foreign workers strains the economy due to the high costs of salaries, remittances, and other expenses, and can create social unrest among Nigerians who feel excluded from opportunities within their own industry. PENGASSAN called for a more balanced approach that prioritizes local talent and strengthens the industry’s contribution to national growth.

In addition to advocating for local content, PENGASSAN has also prioritized training and capacity building for its members. Osifo detailed the association’s investment in professional development, including collaborations with the Lagos Business School (LBS) to enhance leadership skills among union members. PENGASSAN has also made strides in encouraging women’s participation in unionism, with over 100 members of the PENGASSAN Women Commission trained at LBS. Furthermore, the association sponsored 20 NEC members to attend the Niyi Adesanya Annual Leadership Boot Camp, focusing on career advancement and leadership skills. Osifo concluded by stressing that these training initiatives are not an expense, but a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.