PENGASSAN Raises Alarm Over Influx of Indian Workers in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector

• PENGASSAN expresses concern over the increasing presence of Indian nationals in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, occupying roles meant for Nigerians
• PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo alleges that Indian companies manipulate the system by registering shell companies to bring in large numbers of expatriates

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has expressed concern over the increasing presence of Indian nationals in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, particularly in roles that Nigerians should occupy.

During the closing session of the 3rd edition of the Energy and Labour Summit held in Abuja, PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo highlighted the alarming trend, noting that the influx of Indians in low-level jobs is a blatant abuse of the expatriate quota system.

Osifo pointed out that in companies like Sterling Oil, the number of Indian workers surpasses that of Nigerians, even in roles such as vulcanizers, plant operators, and gatekeepers. He emphasized that this situation has continued despite ongoing engagements with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to address the issue.

He further alleged that Indian companies have been manipulating the system by registering numerous shell companies, allowing them to bring in large numbers of expatriates under the guise of different entities. According to Osifo, over 200 companies have been registered to facilitate this influx, each bringing in expatriates for different roles.

PENGASSAN has been involved in extensive discussions with stakeholders over the past two years to resolve this issue, but without success. Osifo warned that if the situation persists, the union might have no choice but to take more aggressive actions, stressing that Nigerian oil resources should primarily benefit Nigerians, not foreign companies.

He also cited the example of Indorama’s facilities in Port Harcourt, where the number of Indian workers reportedly exceeds that of Nigerians, with the expatriates being paid in U.S. dollars while Nigerian workers struggle with the impact of currency devaluation.

Osifo called on the Federal Government to take swift and decisive action to protect the rights and opportunities of Nigerian workers, urging authorities to clamp down on companies that exploit the expatriate quota system to the detriment of the local workforce.