- PENGASSAN warns that poor wages may force skilled oil and gas workers to leave Nigeria.
- Rising insecurity and high living costs are worsening pressures on industry professionals.
Nigeria is facing a brewing Nigeria oil and gas talent crisis, as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) raises concerns about worsening remuneration in the sector. The union explained that many professionals are preparing to leave the country due to rising economic pressures. Consequently, the sector now faces a major threat to its long-term stability.
PENGASSAN President, Mr Festus Osifo, issued the warning after the union’s National Executive Council meeting in Abuja. He stated that Naira devaluation and inflation continue to erode salaries, even though the industry demands globally competitive skills. He added that a drilling engineer in Nigeria performs the same complex tasks as one in the United States or Abu Dhabi.
Therefore, he emphasised the need for urgent action to close the widening wage gap. He warned that the current situation could trigger an exodus similar to the brain drain seen in health and academic sectors. He stressed that the country could lose some of its most experienced professionals if swift reforms do not take place.
Osifo noted that PENGASSAN had secured notable gains through collective bargaining. These agreements, signed across government agencies, international oil companies, and service firms, have provided relief for members battling rising living costs. He also stressed that protecting jobs and improving pay remain the union’s primary responsibilities.
However, he criticised companies delaying salary reviews despite the economic situation. He insisted that the industry attracts some of Nigeria’s best talents; therefore, companies must offer competitive conditions to retain skilled workers.
Osifo also addressed the rising insecurity across the country. He urged the government to take firm action against terrorism and kidnappings. He demanded that authorities expose sponsors of violent groups and provide stronger protection for citizens. Additionally, he supported calls for state policing to strengthen local security responses.
He highlighted that economic growth means little if food prices remain high and farmers fear returning to their fields. Nigerians, he said, want real improvement in their daily lives, not just macroeconomic indicators. He urged the government to align fiscal and monetary policies so that gains translate to tangible household relief.
The Nigeria oil and gas talent crisis now stands as a pressing national concern, demanding urgent collaboration between unions, companies, and government.