Nigeria TV Info — National News

PENGASSAN Demands Urgent Refinery Reforms, Warns Against Political Interference

ABUJA — The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has urged the Federal Government to prioritize urgent reforms in the nation’s refineries, cautioning against political interference in the management of the oil and gas sector.

Mr. Festus Osifo, President of PENGASSAN, made the call on Thursday in Abuja during the 4th PENGASSAN and Labour Summit 2025, themed “Building a Resilient Oil and Gas Sector in Nigeria: Advancing HSE, ESG, Investment and Incremental Production.”

Osifo stressed that Nigeria’s economic recovery and energy security depend heavily on functional and efficient refineries, adding that prolonged dependence on fuel imports undermines national interest.

He warned that political meddling in refinery operations and broader oil sector governance has often stalled progress, discouraged investors, and weakened confidence in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

“Reforms must be driven by transparency, efficiency, and sustainability. We must build a system where professionalism, not politics, determines outcomes in the oil and gas sector,” he said.

The PENGASSAN president also highlighted the importance of adhering to global standards in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) as well as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, noting that they remain key to attracting long-term investments.

The summit brought together industry leaders, labour unions, and policymakers to chart strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s oil and gas sector in line with global best practices.