CRISIS ROCKS PENGASSAN AS MEMBERS ACCUSE FESTUS OSIFO OF ‘UNDEMOCRATIC CONDUCT’

A deepening crisis has emerged within the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), as a group of members have accused the association’s national president, Festus Osifo, of “undemocratic conduct and constitutional violations.”
In a petition sent to the Registrar of Trade Unions under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, the concerned members also raised questions about the role of Lumumba Okugbawa, the General Secretary of PENGASSAN, alleging both leaders have sidelined due process and democratic principles in the union’s administration.

Mounting Allegations PENGASSAN Leadership and Calls for Federal Intervention

The grievances stem primarily from members of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) branch of PENGASSAN, who claim the national leadership has persistently disregarded their constitutional rights.

According to the petition obtained by opitanglobamedia Nigeria news the group accused the national officers of “abuse of office and disregard for the association’s constitution.” They alleged that multiple letters and correspondences aimed at resolving the internal crisis were ignored, forcing them to seek government intervention.

“As a branch under the PENGASSAN structure, we have made several efforts to engage the national leadership constructively on matters affecting our members,” the petition stated. “However, our numerous letters have been met with utter disregard.”

The members urged the Ministry of Labour to safeguard “the integrity of trade unionism, internal democracy, and due process within PENGASSAN.” They warned that continued leadership interference could erode confidence in the union’s credibility among members and stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Controversy Over Caretaker Committee and Election Dispute

At the heart of the dispute lies the appointment of a Caretaker Committee (CTC) by the national leadership to oversee the affairs of the NMDPRA branch — a move the petitioners described as “entirely wrong, unacceptable, and unconstitutional.”

Documents reviewed indicate that the national office, in a letter dated June 27, 2025, informed the branch that a caretaker committee had been constituted. However, the branch members rejected the decision, arguing that it bypassed due electoral process.

Following the alleged interference, the NMDPRA branch said it resolved to conduct its own election “in line with the will of the majority,” comprising over 523 members, representing more than two-thirds of the branch’s total membership.

The branch later wrote to the Minister of Labour and Employment, seeking clarification and mediation. In response, the minister urged members to suspend the proposed election while the ministry engaged all parties to ensure an amicable resolution. Despite this, the petitioners alleged that the PENGASSAN Central Working Committee (CWC) “almost immediately inaugurated the caretaker committee,” a move they say further demonstrates the leadership’s “unconstitutional acts.”

Union’s Integrity at Stake as Rift Deepens

The escalating row has raised concerns within Nigeria’s broader labour movement, especially given Osifo’s dual role as President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC). Observers fear that the controversy, if unresolved, could undermine confidence in union leadership across the oil and gas sector.

Labour analysts warn that the situation could worsen if the Ministry of Labour does not step in decisively. The dispute threatens to divide one of Nigeria’s most influential trade unions at a time when the industry is grappling with regulatory reforms and rising fuel sector tensions.

While PENGASSAN’s national leadership has yet to issue an official response to the allegations, the petitioners maintain that only a transparent and democratic process can restore order and trust in the association.

“The continuous actions and inactions of the national leadership amount to an abuse of office,” the group reiterated. “We seek immediate intervention to protect the spirit of unionism and democracy in PENGASSAN.”