By Bimbola Oyesola, [email protected]
Workers in the oil and gas sector have reiterated calls for a comprehensive approach that includes improving environmental depredations, investing in social infrastructures and strengthening security measures, among others, to address the multifarious challenges in the sector.
The workers, under the umbrella of the
Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior
Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), also identified promotion of local content development as well increasing investments in the sector as part of initiatives that can return Nigeria to prosperity.
President of PENGASSAN, Festus Osifo, expressing concerns at the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) held in Abuja on Thursday lamented, “our oil and gas industry faces several significant challenges that hinder its growth and development.”
Osifo noted that the oil and gas sector suffers from a lack of adequate infrastructure, including refineries, pipelines, storage facilities, and transport networks.
“This leads to a heavy reliance on imports of refined petroleum products, making the country more vulnerable to price fluctuations in the international market and increasing cost of energy,” he said.
Other canker worms infesting the sector, the PENGASSAN boss said lie in security issues, including crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and attacks on oil installations that are “a constant occurrence”.
He said, “These acts of sabotage disrupt production and result in revenue losses for the government and oil companies. Emphasizing the need for more proactive measures to combat the challenges, Osifo said the presence of armed groups, insurgent activities and organized high-power stealing further exacerbates the security challenges.
He reasoned that the passage of the NOGIC Act in 2010 has greatly promoted local content participation in the industry, but expressed dismay that Nigeria is still far from implementing the law to the letter.
According to him, “To promote sustainable growth, it is crucial to increase local content development and provide training and capacity-building opportunities for Nigerian professionals and entrepreneurs in the industry.”
He however commended the recent presidential order that incentivizes investment in the Nigeria Oil and Gas, noting that it “is a welcome development.”
Corruption:
Speaking further on corruption, the PENGASSAN president who doubles as the President of Trade Union Congress (TUC) opined that fighting institutional corruption in Nigeria requires a multi-pronged approach that encompasses prevention, legal reforms, civil society empowerment, technological solutions, and education.
“Only by tackling corruption at its roots can we hope to build a future where honesty, transparency, and integrity prevail,” he said.
To put an end to corruption, the labour leader advocated that Nigerians must “join hands, raise our voices, and demand an end to institutional corruption in Nigeria”, adding that as a Nation, “we must focus on prevention rather than solely relying on punishment.”
He stated that prevention is the most sustainable and cost-effective way to tackle corruption.”
“Enhancing transparency and accountability mechanisms within institutions are crucial. This can be achieved by implementing robust internal oversight mechanisms, such as regular audits, transparent financial management systems, and strict adherence to procurement regulations,” he said.
He equally advised that by establishing a culture of transparency and promoting ethical behaviour, the country can reduce opportunities for corruption to take root. He said, “Moreover, we must empower civil society organisations and the media to act as watchdogs. These groups play a critical role in exposing corruption and holding institutions accountable.
“They provide an avenue for citizens to report corrupt practices and ensure that they are investigated and acted upon. By providing protection and support to these organizations, we can create an environment where whistleblowers feel safe and can come forward to expose corruption without fear of retaliation.”
Osifo also emphasised the importance of technology and education as powerful tools to fight corruption.
He reasoned that the adoption of e-governance initiatives can automate services and reduce human interaction, thus reducing the opportunities for corruption.
Online portals for citizen feedback, complaints, and service delivery, he stated can hold institutions accountable and encourage transparency, adding that education is key to building a culture of integrity, honesty, and ethical behaviour from an early age.
“Students and the general public need to deeply understand the detrimental effects of corruption and the importance of upholding the rule of law.
“By promoting ethics, integrity, and accountability in schools, institutions, and communities, we can develop a generation that rejects corruption,” he stressed.