The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has kicked against the high number of expatriates in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, adding that many expatriates and alleged quota abuses raise concerns about long-term national development impact.
Comrade (Engr) Festus OSIFO, in an address at the recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the association held in Abuja, called on the federal government to urgently strengthen the regulatory mechanisms and enforce the regulations of the oil & gas sector to promote local content, ensure transparency and accountability, reports Daily Independent.
He said: While skilled foreign workers contribute to economic development, the current situation demands attention because many expatriates and alleged quota abuses raise concerns about long-term national development impact.
“Expatriate employment also strains the economy due to salaries, remittances, and other expenses.
“Socially, it can fuel unrest and resentment among Nigerians who feel excluded from opportunities in their industry.
“We demand strengthening our regulatory mechanisms and enforcing the regulations to promote local content and ensure transparency and accountability.
“We must work towards ensuring fair sharing of our natural resources to the benefits of all Nigerians.
On training of members, the PENGASSAN president said: “Our association has invested in training and re-training of our members and secretariat staff, which is paramount to our continued success and relevance in our industry.
“Therefore, this year, while we exposed members to the trends and technicalities associated with the energy sector through PEALS 2024, we keyed into our existing relationship with the prestigious Lagos Business School (LBS) to equip NEC members and our secretariat staff with sound education on the leadership skills needed to navigate the imminent changes we will face ahead.
“To encourage women’s participation in unionism and equip more members with leadership skills, we trained over 100 members of the PENGASSAN Women Commission at LBS.
“Remarkably, we have produced numerous alumnus of this great Center of Learning and Development with improved leadership skills needed to sustain the objectives of our Association both now and in the future.
“Twenty NEC members were sponsored to attend the Niyi Adesanya Annual Leadership Boot Camp in Lagos. It was an avenue to gain exposure from diverse renowned leaders in different industries and deeply engage in managing career stagnancy in the workplace. Delegates confirm it was a worthwhile and edifying experience.
“Let us bear in mind that investing in the training and retraining of PENGASSAN members and staff is not merely an expense, but a strategic investment in our future.
“By equipping our members with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a dynamic energy landscape, we strengthen our organisation, enhance our collective capabilities, and contribute to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry”.
