The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has expressed strong concern over the growing level of insecurity across the country and has called on the Federal Government to publicly name and prosecute those sponsoring terrorism. The union also urged the government to take urgent steps to curb the rising cases of kidnappings, which it says are becoming a serious threat to national development and the safety of citizens.
PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, made the call on Thursday during a press conference in Abuja after the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. He noted that insecurity has continued to spread across the country, with recent incidents showing that more Nigerians are becoming victims of attacks, kidnappings and other violent crimes.
His comments came a day after the National Assembly called for the public naming and prosecution of terrorism financiers. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives made the demand during their plenary sessions, saying it was a necessary step in addressing the country’s worsening security situation.
The proposal being considered by lawmakers, sponsored by the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, seeks to classify kidnapping, hostage-taking and similar offences as terrorism. If adopted, this classification will give security agencies broader powers to track and prosecute criminal networks.
PENGASSAN added its voice to the national conversation, noting that insecurity remains one of the biggest challenges confronting Nigeria today. Osifo stressed that the situation has become more alarming in recent weeks and that the government must act beyond making changes in key positions.
He said the recent appointment of a new Minister of Defence was a welcome move but warned that personnel changes would not solve the problem without decisive action. “Beyond changing personnel, the government, at all levels, must act decisively to stop this mess,” he said.
Osifo questioned why the authorities, despite confirming in the past that they know those financing terrorist groups, have not made their identities public or taken legal action against them. He said the refusal to name or prosecute the sponsors continues to fuel public distrust and allows the insecurity crisis to worsen.
He said, “We have heard several times when they tell us that they know the sponsors of these terrorists. The question is, where are the sponsors? Why haven’t you named the sponsors? Why haven’t you exposed the sponsors? Why haven’t you gone after them, taken them to the lockup, and gotten them convicted to serve as deterrents to others?”
Osifo added that Nigerians are tired of hearing constant condemnations from government officials after each attack, without seeing strong and effective actions. He suggested that funds allocated to non-critical sectors could be redirected to security so that government can acquire the equipment needed to fight criminal groups and protect citizens.
The union also highlighted the growing economic hardship facing Nigerians, stressing that despite reports of lower inflation, market prices for food and other basic items continue to rise. Osifo urged the Federal Government to ensure that its macroeconomic policies translate into real relief for ordinary Nigerians by stabilising food prices and enabling farmers to return to their farms without fear of attacks.
On labour issues, PENGASSAN gave an update on its unresolved industrial dispute with Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited. Osifo said the matter, which led to an industrial action two months ago, had seen several meetings and negotiations but has not yet been fully resolved. He urged the firm and other companies in the oil and gas sector to review workers’ wages in line with the naira devaluation and the increasing global demand for Nigerian oil and gas professionals.
The union said it remains committed to protecting workers’ rights while also pushing for reforms that will help ensure security, stability and economic growth across the country.
