The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has raised alarms over the increasing employment of Indian nationals in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, particularly in low-level positions.
At the recent Energy and Labour Summit in Abuja, PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo highlighted that this trend not only undermines the expatriate quota system but also leaves many Nigerian graduates jobless.
He pointed out that in companies like Sterling Oil, the number of Indian workers often surpasses that of Nigerians, even in roles traditionally filled by locals, such as vulcanizers and operators.
Osifo accused these companies of manipulating the system by registering multiple firms to circumvent regulations, effectively flooding the market with expatriate workers.
He emphasized that Nigerian oil resources should primarily benefit Nigerians and urged the government to take immediate action to protect local employment opportunities.
The disparity in pay, with expatriates earning in U.S. dollars while Nigerians struggle with currency devaluation, further exacerbates the situation.
Osifo warned that if the government fails to act, PENGASSAN may resort to confrontational measures to defend Nigerian workers’ rights.