Port-Harcourt Refinery
By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja –
Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has pinpointed political interference, corruption, and mismanagement as the primary reasons behind the persistent failure of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries.
PENGASSAN President Mr. Festus Osifo, stated this on Friday in Abuja during the 4th PENGASSAN and Labour Summit (PEALS 2025), themed “ _Building a Resilient Oil and Gas Sector in Nigeria: Advancing HSE, ESG, Investment and Incremental Production,”_
Mr. Osifo dismissed claims that the refineries’ struggles stem from a lack of skilled workers.
He emphasized that Nigerian workers possess the expertise needed to operate the refineries effectively, citing their successful management of offshore platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic when expatriates left.
“Our workers sustained global-standard energy production without disruption,” he said, attributing the sector’s challenges instead to a lack of tools, resources, and a supportive environment due to political interference.
He further noted that “widespread corruption and mismanagement” have crippled the refineries’ operations.
Highlighting the need for a stable policy framework, Osifo warned that inconsistent policies and frequent changes to petroleum laws deter investors and undermine growth.
“We must have an industry that investors can predict in five or ten years.
“Constantly changing policies will only chase away investors and delay sectoral growth,” he stated.
He also called for enhanced worker training by both local and international operators to ensure Nigerians remain competitive in the evolving energy and labor markets.
In a goodwill message, Trade Union Congress (TUC) Secretary General Mr. Nuhu Toro praised PENGASSAN’s initiative, describing the summit as “a testament to the foresight and strategic thinking required to navigate industry dynamics and their implications for organized labour.”
Toro urged other TUC-affiliated unions to adopt similar platforms for dialogue, emphasizing that “modern engagement, dialogue, and innovation remain vital tools for advancing workers’ welfare and strengthening collective bargaining power.”
