Group Petitions Senate Over Nigerian Staff In Oil Firm

The Movement of Intellectuals for National Development (MIND), a national think tank, has submitted a petition to the Senate demanding an investigation into alleged exploitation of Nigerian workers at Total Energies.

In the petition dated January 14 presented by the Western coordinator of MIND, Ebi Warekromo and made available to LEADERSHIP in Abuja yesterday, the group  cited several breaches of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGID) Act by the company.

This followed concerns raised by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) whose previous grievances have reportedly been ignored by Total Energies.

Warekromo in the petition identified critical issues such as unethical practices, excessive presence of expatriate workers contrary to local content legislation and potential security implications of these actions.

He pointed out specific cases, including those of expatriates who purportedly completed biometric registration with the NCDMB two years after starting work in Nigeria, violating the NOGID Act’s prerequisites for expatriate employment; those who have exceeded their authorised duration of stay, contravening Nigerian laws regarding employment succession and those currently occupying roles in the company meant for qualified Nigerians.

The petition also frowned at the legality of awarding contracts to foreign entities without proper protocols, despite the readiness of capable Nigerian firms to undertake such tasks.

It noted widespread intimidation among local staff who fear punitive measures for raising these concerns.

MIND urged the Senate to instruct the NCDMB to thoroughly investigate these allegations and enforce corrective measures to protect the rights and improve conditions for Nigerian workers in the oil sector.

The petition further implored the Senate to direct the Federal Ministry of Interior (Citizenship and Business Department) to ensure strict compliance with expatriate quota approval and mandatory knowledge transfer requirements.

It also asked the Senate to direct the Nigerian Immigration Service to clarify the immigration and work permits of the affected expatriates and enforce full compliance with immigration laws.

Warekomo maintained that MIND remains committed to national progress and would continue to expose practises that undermine Nigeria’s development to ensure timely corrective actions are taken to build a just and prosperous nation.