By Chinedu Echianu
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has denied reports alleging that it accused TotalEnergies Nigeria Limited of maltreating Nigerian employees and violating labour and local content laws.
In a statement on Tuesday issued by its Acting General Secretary, Comrade Jerry Amah Jr., PENGASSAN says it is concerned by a recent publication in a national daily which claimed the association had accused the oil company of harassment by expatriates, racism, and breaches of the Nigerian Local Content Act, among other allegations.
The union clarifies that it neither issued any statement on the matter nor released any document to the media.
According to PENGASSAN, the publication relied on an internal document exchanged between staff and management, which was circulated without authorisation.
“The referenced material was an internal communication and its publication constitutes a breach of privacy and confidentiality,” the association said, adding that it strongly condemns the action.
PENGASSAN stresses that it is a structured organisation and that only its National Leadership is empowered to communicate its official position.
While acknowledging the right of individuals and groups to raise issues of national interest, the union cautioned against the misuse of its name to support what it described as unverified allegations.
The association warned that such actions could create unnecessary tension in the workplace and damage the reputation of both PENGASSAN and the oil and gas industry. It also stated that it has no affiliation with the group referred to as MIND in the publication.
Reaffirming its stance, PENGASSAN said it remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement with stakeholders in the sector, noting that its mandate is to protect the welfare and professional interests of its members while promoting industrial harmony.
The union further disclosed that it has begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged breach and will take appropriate action against those found responsible.
In the interim, it urged stakeholders and the public to disregard any statement not officially issued by its National Secretariat.
