The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has issued a strong condemnation of a violent military action reportedly taken against oil and gas workers at the Oritsetimeyin Oil and Gas Rig. PENGASSAN claims that the military and security personnel, allegedly hired by Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their labor contractors, assaulted workers in what the union described as a “brutal and excessive use of force.” This incident, according to PENGASSAN, constitutes a severe violation of the Nigerian Constitution and labor laws.
PENGASSAN asserts that Dutchford E&P and its associates have a history of labor-related issues, including unpaid entitlements and unfulfilled agreements dating back to 2022. The association warns it will take action to disrupt any further attempts to forcibly remove workers from the rig, as such actions represent a violation of human rights and labor standards.
According to PENGASSAN, workers at the Oritsetimeyin rig have maintained professionalism under challenging conditions, despite meager wages and unsafe work environments. The association criticized the deployment of military personnel to confront unarmed workers, calling the response “unjustifiable, disproportionate, and a complete disregard for human rights.”
In a statement signed by PENGASSAN President Comrade Festus Osifo and Secretary-General Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa, the union called for an immediate, transparent investigation into the incident, demanding that those responsible be prosecuted under both national and international laws. PENGASSAN also emphasized the need for assurance of the safety and security of all oil and gas workers, urging the relevant authorities to commit to peaceful conflict resolution and uphold the rights of workers.
PENGASSAN is calling on citizens, human rights groups, and international organizations to condemn the violence and demand accountability, emphasizing that “silence in the face of such brutality is complicity.” The union stated it would continue to pursue justice for its members and ensure the prevention of future violations.