PENGASSAN Debunks Report on Alleged TotalEnergies Abuse of Nigerian Workers

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has distanced itself from a report which claimed that it accused TotalEnergies Nigeria Limited (I.of maltreating Nigerian workers, harassment by expatriates, violations of the Nigerian Local Content Act, and racism, among other claims. PENGASSAN clarified that it had neither issued any statement on the matter nor provided any document to the media. In a statement released on Tuesday, February 3, signed by PENGASSAN acting General Secretary, Comrade Jerry Amah, the oil workers union said the report, which appeared on a national daily, “referenced an internal document between staff and their management without authorisation, constituting a breach of privacy and confidentiality which the Association strongly condemns.” READ ALSO:  TotalEnergies’ Stake in OPL257 Rises to 90% After Asset Swap Deal with Conoil Why FG Should Sell only 51% Stake in NNPC Refineries – PENGASSAN PENGASSAN explained that it is a  is a structured organisation, and only the National Leadership is authorised to communicate the Association’s official position on any matter concerning it. While acknowledging the rights of individuals and groups to raise concerns of national interest, the “Union warned against misusing PENGASSAN’s name to lend weight to unverified allegations.” It emphasised that “such actions risk creating unnecessary workplace tension and damaging the reputation of both the Association and the industry. “We wish to state clearly that PENGASSAN has no connection with the said MIND group.” The statement said the association remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement with all stakeholders in …

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has distanced itself from a report which claimed that it accused TotalEnergies Nigeria Limited (I.of maltreating Nigerian workers, harassment by expatriates, violations of the Nigerian Local Content Act, and racism, among other claims.

PENGASSAN clarified that it had neither issued any statement on the matter nor provided any document to the media.

In a statement released on Tuesday, February 3, signed by PENGASSAN acting General Secretary, Comrade Jerry Amah, the oil workers union said the report, which appeared on a national daily, “referenced an internal document between staff and their management without authorisation, constituting a breach of privacy and confidentiality which the Association strongly condemns.”

READ ALSO: 

TotalEnergies’ Stake in OPL257 Rises to 90% After Asset Swap Deal with Conoil

Why FG Should Sell only 51% Stake in NNPC Refineries – PENGASSAN

PENGASSAN explained that it is a  is a structured organisation, and only the National Leadership is authorised to communicate the Association’s official position on any matter concerning it.

While acknowledging the rights of individuals and groups to raise concerns of national interest, the “Union warned against misusing PENGASSAN’s name to lend weight to unverified allegations.”

It emphasised that “such actions risk creating unnecessary workplace tension and damaging the reputation of both the Association and the industry.

“We wish to state clearly that PENGASSAN has no connection with the said MIND group.”

The statement said the association remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement with all stakeholders in the oil and gas industry.

It urged media organisations to disregard the report, assuring that it would investigate the matter and unravel the situation.

“Our mandate is to protect the welfare and professional interests of our members while ensuring industrial harmony. We will not condone sensationalism or unverified claims that may undermine the stability of the sector.

“PENGASSAN is taking immediate steps to investigate the circumstances surrounding this breach and will take appropriate actions against those responsible.”

The oil worker’s union urged all stakeholders to disregard any statement not duly issued.

 

Victor Ezeja, a journalist, and scholar
+ posts

Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in mass communication.

Victor EZEJA

Victor EZEJA

Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in mass communication.

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