The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has condemned the brutal use of force by the military other security agencies allegedly hired by Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and its Labour contractors against oil and gas workers at the Oritsetimeywn Oil and Gas Rig.
In a statement signed by Comrades Festus Osifo, and Lumumba Okugbawa, President and General Secretary of PENGASSAN, respectively, described the action of the military as barbaric, negating the constitution and laws governing the operations in the oil and gas sector.
The statement said, “It is on record that these companies are notorious for violating signed agreements reached with various parties, including the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on payments and other entitlements due to the workers, dating back to 2022.
“We warn that if the reports indicate that oil and gas workers are violently ejected from the Rig any date soon, PENGASSAN will deploy every arsenal at its disposal to frustrate such moves; as this unconscionable act represents a grave violation of human rights and known labour conventions.
“The use of military actions against unarmed workers is completely unjustifiable and disproportionate because it is the Nigerian workers who have been subjugated to unfair workplaces, including being paid meager wages while working in hazardous environments that should be the complainant,” the union said.
While commending the workers for their professional disposition to keep the oil and gas rigs flowing, PENGASSAN described the deployment of the military to settle an industrial dispute as unacceptable, as it’s a complete disregard for human lives and the rule of law.
“The use of such force against unarmed citizens engaged in legitimate work is abhorrent and cannot be tolerated.
“We demand a full and transparent investigation into this incident, leading to the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for ordering and carrying out these brutal assaults. The perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions under both national and international law.
“Furthermore, we demand a guarantee of the safety and security of all oil and gas workers on the rigs, and a commitment from the relevant authorities to uphold the rights of workers and engage in peaceful conflicts,” PENGASSAN stressed.
