August 22, 2025 — The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has raised concerns over what it described as rising political interference in the nation’s petroleum industry, warning that such actions threaten stability, efficiency, and long-term growth in the sector.
Speaking on Thursday, the union stressed that undue political influence has continued to distort policy implementation, undermine transparency, and weaken regulatory frameworks, thereby preventing the industry from realizing its full potential.
According to PENGASSAN, the persistent interference has contributed to inconsistent policies, poor governance structures, and delays in critical reforms needed to strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas operations. The association emphasized that unless urgent corrective steps are taken, the sector may struggle to achieve sustainability and competitiveness in the global energy market.
The union therefore called for comprehensive reforms that will insulate the petroleum industry from political manipulation. It urged the Federal Government to prioritize professionalism, transparency, and merit-based decision-making in order to drive growth, boost investor confidence, and secure the future of the industry.
PENGASSAN further reiterated its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the sector delivers on its mandate of supporting national development while safeguarding the welfare of workers and communities that depend on the industry.