Insecurity Heat: PENGASSAN Demands Government Reveal Terror Backers

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has urged the Federal Government to immediately identify and prosecute sponsors of terrorism in the country, warning that the escalating wave of kidnappings and insecurity threatens national development.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Union President Festus Osifo made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during a press conference following PENGASSAN’s National Executive Council meeting.

“We have all witnessed how insecurity has plagued our nation, and the situation has worsened in recent weeks,” Osifo said. “While a new Minister of Defence is set to be sworn in, personnel changes alone will not solve the problem. All levels of government must act decisively to tackle this menace.”

He questioned repeated government claims about knowing the sponsors of terrorists, asking: “Where are the sponsors? Why haven’t you named or prosecuted them? Why haven’t they been locked up and convicted to deter others?”

Osifo expressed frustration over government rhetoric without action. “We are tired of moments of silence for victims and endless condemnations. Beyond rhetoric, funds should be redirected from non-critical areas to acquire sophisticated equipment to combat terrorists. A safe country is one that can focus on development, such as roads and other investments,” he stressed.

Call for State Police
The PENGASSAN president also criticized delays in establishing state police, describing decentralization of law enforcement as essential for citizen protection. “State police has become a concept that exists only on paper. Politicians are still engaged in rhetoric while citizens remain at risk,” the union stated.

Highlighting the impact on education, Osifo said some schools in northern Nigeria have closed due to insecurity, preventing children from taking examinations. “A child who should be writing exams is stuck at home because of terrorism,” he lamented.

He urged the government to pursue international partnerships but stressed that Nigerians must lead the effort in resolving the security crisis. “Assistance is welcome, but we must take the lead. The government must act decisively to end these kidnappings,” he added.

National Assembly Demands Action
PENGASSAN’s call comes a day after the National Assembly demanded that the government publicly name terrorism financiers. Both the Senate and House of Representatives called for exposing terror sponsors and granting broader powers to security agencies.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele proposed classifying kidnapping and hostage-taking as terrorism, emphasizing that the death penalty should extend to informants, logistics providers, harbourers, and anyone assisting such crimes. “Attempt, conspiracy, or incitement to kidnap should attract the same penalty,” he said.

Economic Concerns
On the economic front, Osifo criticized the disconnect between macroeconomic indicators and the lived realities of Nigerians. “It is not enough to report falling inflation or exchange rates. What matters is how this translates to food on the table. Fiscal and monetary authorities must work together to address food prices and allow farmers to safely return to their fields,” he said.

Dangote Refinery Negotiations
Regarding PENGASSAN’s unresolved industrial action against Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd, Osifo said negotiations continue but key issues remain. He emphasized that while the union prefers dialogue, it will take action if necessary. He also called on oil and gas companies to adjust wages in line with currency devaluation to retain skilled workers. “A drilling engineer in Nigeria performs the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi. Companies must provide competitive conditions to retain top talent,” he stated.

The event also marked the retirement of the union’s General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa, who highlighted the importance of organized labour in protecting workers’ rights. “Labour must use its intelligence and strength to engage capital. Through capacity building, data, and advocacy, workers can achieve better conditions,” he said.