A think tank, Movement of Intellectuals for National Development (MIND), has called on the Senate to investigate the alleged ill-treatment of Nigerian workers at an international oil company (IOC).
In the petition made available to BusinessDay, MIND Western Coordinator, AB Warechromo, pointed out multiple violations of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Material Development (NOGICD) Act at TotalEnergies.
The petition follows a letter from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASAN), which outlined various grievances that have not been addressed by TotalEnergies management.
Pengasan drew attention to reports of unethical conduct, inappropriate influx of migrants contrary to local content laws and resulting security concerns and called for an investigation.
According to Warecromo, the issues raised by Pengasan were not addressed, hence the need to write a letter to the Senate to protect Nigerian workers.
The petition states that violations of the NOGICD Act at the oil company include allowing an expatriate to work without prior approval from the NCDMB and not completing biometric registration; To stay in Nigeria after completion of assignment, and to occupy roles prescribed for Nigerians.
The petition also drew attention to the awarding of contracts to foreign firms without proper procedures, which violates the NOGICD Act, especially when Nigerian companies are available and qualified to take such contracts.
“This action is a clear violation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Material Development (NOGICD) Act, which mandates that companies obtain NCDMB approval before applying for expatriate visas or work permits through the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
“Even more worrying is the fact that Mr. Jean-Christophe Agrati currently occupies the contract, procurement and Nigerian materials position, a role statutorily intended to be occupied by a qualified Nigerian,” the petition said.
It also noted a widespread climate of fear among local staff, who have been warned against reporting the issues.
According to the petition, multiple violations of the NOGICD Act have far-reaching effects, including institutional ridicule and marginalization of Nigerian professionals, financial losses and stagnation in the careers of Nigerian workers, denial of employment and labor rights.
MIND is urging the Senate, through the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, to impeach the NCDMB to vigorously investigate violations and impose corrective and punitive actions where applicable.
The petition also urged the Senate to direct the Federal Ministry of the Interior (Department of Citizenship and Occupations) to ensure strict compliance with expatriate quota approval and mandatory knowledge transfer requirements.
It also urged the Senate to order the Nigerian Immigration Service to clarify the immigration and work permits of the affected migrants and enforce full compliance with immigration laws.
MIND affirmed the need for a supportive working environment for Nigerian professionals in the oil and gas industry.
