A serious internal crisis has erupted in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), following accusations by members of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) branch.
Over 500 unionised staff say the national leadership, under President Festus Osifo, has engaged in undemocratic practices, sidelining due process and violating the union’s constitution.
What is the Dispute About?
The crux of the matter is the appointment of a Caretaker Committee (CTC) for the NMDPRA branch by the PENGASSAN National Secretariat, allegedly without holding elections or proper consultation.
The members argue the tenure of the existing Branch Executive Council expired on May 27, 2025, and that constitutional procedures require that elections follow.
Instead, they say Osifo’s leadership unilaterally imposed Tony Iziogba as chairman of the caretaker committee—an action they claim is unconstitutional.
The protested move is said to conflict with Sections 31.4 and other parts of the PENGASSAN Constitution, which allow a CTC only if a branch is dissolved for cause (for example through disciplinary processes), not merely because its tenure expired.
The Member’s Demands and Response
The group of members, numbering over 523 staff, calls for free and fair elections, both physical and virtual, to restore leadership that reflects their choice.
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They also reject the appointment of the CTC as illegal and ultra vires, demanding that PENGASSAN’s national leadership adhere to the constitution and cease what they view as dictatorial imposition.
On the other hand, national leadership, speaking through the union’s general secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, maintains that the dissolution and subsequent appointment of the CTC is within constitutionally granted powers.
The leadership holds that this step was required because the branch’s tenure had lapsed, and that elections will be held within three months.
