CSO, MIND, reacts to PENGASSAN’s position on senate petition

A civil society organisation, the Movement of Intellectuals for National Development (MIND), has expressed concern over the decision of the national leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to distance itself from a petition submitted by the group to the Nigerian Senate regarding labour-related matters at TotalEnergies Nigeria. PENGASSAN’s […]

A civil society organisation, the Movement of Intellectuals for National Development (MIND), has expressed concern over the decision of the national leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to distance itself from a petition submitted by the group to the Nigerian Senate regarding labour-related matters at TotalEnergies Nigeria.

PENGASSAN’s Acting General Secretary, Jerry Aman, had earlier clarified in a statement that issues referenced in internal correspondence were not intended for public discussion.

Responding, MIND’s Western Coordinator, Ebi Warekromo, said the petition was based on concerns raised by some Nigerian employees about workplace conditions and regulatory compliance matters.

“Our petition to the Senate was informed by feedback and concerns shared with us regarding workplace practices and the implementation of local content policies,” Warekromo said.

“We believe these issues merit constructive engagement and, where necessary, legislative review to ensure that established standards and regulations are consistently upheld.”

Warekromo stated that the organisation’s intervention was not intended to undermine the role of PENGASSAN, but to encourage broader dialogue among stakeholders.

“Our position is not an attack on PENGASSAN as an institution. Rather, it reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers,” he said.

“We encourage open engagement among the union, the company, and relevant authorities to address any concerns in a fair and lawful manner.”

MIND further called for continued dialogue between labour representatives, company officials, and lawmakers.

“We are confident that through dialogue and proper institutional processes, any outstanding concerns can be resolved in the interest of workers, the industry, and the nation,” Warekromo added.

The group reiterated its commitment to lawful advocacy and constructive participation in issues affecting Nigeria’s extractive sector.