Group petitions Senate over IOC’s alleged mistreatment of Nigerian staff

The Movement of Intellectuals for National Development (MIND), a think tank, has called on the Senate to investigate alleged mistreatment of Nigerian employees at an international oil company (IOC).

In the petition made available to BusinessDay, MIND Western Coordinator, Ebi Warekromo, pointed out several violations of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act at TotalEnergies.

The petition followed a letter by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which outlined various grievances which have not been addressed by TotalEnergies management.

PENGASSAN drew attention to reports of unethical conduct, the unwarranted influx of expatriates contrary to local content laws, and resultant security concerns, and asked for an investigation.

According to Warekromo, the  issues raised by PENGASSAN were not looked into, hence the need to letter to the Senate in order to save the Nigerian workers.

The petition stated that breaches of the NOGICD Act in the oil company include allowing an expatriate to work without seeking prior approval from NCDMB and non-completion of biometric registration; overstaying in Nigeria after completion of assignment, and occupying roles meant for Nigerians.

The petition also drew attention to the award of contracts to foreign firms without proper procedures, which further violate the NOGICD Act, especially when Nigerian companies are available and qualified to undertake such contracts.

“This action constitutes a clear violation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, which mandates that companies obtain NCDMB approval prior to applying for expatriate visas or work permits through the Federal Ministry of Interior.

“Even more concerning is the fact that Mr.Jean-Christophe Agrati currently occupies the position of Contract, Procurement, and Nigerian Content, a role statutorily intended to be occupied by a qualified Nigerian”, the petition read.

It also noted the pervasive atmosphere of intimidation among local staff, who have been warned against reporting those issues.

According to the petition, the several breaches of the violations of the NOGICD Act have far-reaching implications, including institutional ridicule and marginalisation of Nigerian professionals, financial loss and career stagnation of Nigerian staff, denial of employment and labour rights, among others.

MIND is urging the Senate, through the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, to prompt the NCDMB to investigate the breaches rigorously and apply corrective and punitive action where applicable.

The petition also urged 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 implored the Senate to mandate the Nigerian Immigration Service to clarify the immigration and work permits of the affected expatriates and enforce full compliance with immigration laws.

MIND reaffirmed the need for a supportive work environment for Nigerian professionals in the oil and gas industry.

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