Civil Society group insists on probe of mistreatment of Nigerians at IOC, amid PENGASSAN’s silence

The Movement of Intellectuals for National Development (MIND), a civil society organization, has sharply criticized the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) for its lack of action regarding the treatment of Nigerian staff at TotalEnergies.

MIND, in a statement, expressed disappointment over PENGASSAN’s attempts to separate itself from MIND’s petition, submitted to Nigeria’s Senate, addressing the documented mistreatment of local employees.

Ebi Warekromo, the Western coordinator for MIND, described the organization’s petition as grounded in factual evidence and the lived experiences of affected workers.

He pointed out that PENGASSAN’s local branch had previously raised concerns about unwarranted labour practices and the oppressive management style at TotalEnergies, particularly highlighting issues involving expatriate staff members.

MIND stated that serious violations, including security breaches and non-compliance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, have occurred due to the illegal extension of expatriate roles beyond approved limits.

The group argued that to dismiss these concerns as mere internal issues is misleading and counterproductive.

Warekromo further emphasized that the rights violations being reported should not be swept under the guise of confidentiality.

“When issues continue to adversely affect workers, they should not be confined to internal discussions,” he declared.

MIND insists that PENGASSAN’s engagement must yield positive outcomes or face external scrutiny.

According to Warekromo the leadership of MIND is troubled by PENGASSAN’s reluctance to engage with legitimate grievances from its members, which raises concerns about the union’s integrity and reliability in advocating for workers’ rights.

They call for an immediate public inquiry to address these pressing issues and hold TotalEnergies accountable.

The statement read in part ‘’MIND wishes to state clearly that our intervention is not an attack on PENGASSAN as an institution. It is a response to a vacuum of effective representation that has allowed oppressive practices to persist unchecked. Where unions fail or refuse to act decisively, civil society has both the right and the duty to step in.

‘’If PENGASSAN truly has nothing to hide, nothing to fear, and nothing to explain, it should welcome rather than resist public scrutiny.

‘’Accordingly, MIND formally challenges the leadership of PENGASSAN to make itself available for a transparent public hearing before the Nigerian Senate, alongside other relevant stakeholders, to openly address the substance of the grievances raised against TotalEnergies Nigeria.

‘’Attempts to intimidate whistleblowers or investigate breaches of confidentiality only deepen public concern and reinforce the perception of institutional complicity.

‘’The Nigerian public, Nigerian workers, and the Senate of the Federal Republic deserve honesty, not distancing statements, procedural excuses, or selective amnesia.

‘’MIND remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, fairness, and accountability in Nigeria’s extractive sector.

‘’We urge PENGASSAN’s leadership to reflect deeply on the path it is choosing and to realign itself with the workers whose dues, trust, and mandate give it legitimacy.’’

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