Crisis is brewing at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) following the rejection of a newly constituted caretaker committee of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) by over 500 unionized staff members of the agency.

The staff, under the umbrella of the NMDPRA Congress, have openly rejected the caretaker committee installed by the National Secretariat of PENGASSAN.

The decision, announced on June 27, has been described as unconstitutional, undemocratic, and a breach of the union’s internal rules.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the NMDPRA Congress accused the PENGASSAN leadership of attempting to override the will of the branch members without proper consultation or justification.

NMDPRA maintained that the branch is peaceful and stable, and that there was no basis for the dissolution of its existing leadership structure.

More than 500 of the 750 unionised staff at NMDPRA signed a petition rejecting the caretaker arrangement, citing a lack of transparency, disregard for due process, and concerns over the credibility of those appointed.

The Congress particularly objected to the appointment of Comrade Tony Iziogba as chairman of the caretaker committee, alleging that he had not paid union dues in years and was part of a former executive that failed to render financial accounts to members.

The union members are demanding the immediate dissolution of the caretaker committee, a free and fair election that allows both physical and virtual participation, and a public commitment from PENGASSAN’s leadership to respect the constitution and resolutions of the Congress.

“This is a defining moment for labour democracy,” the statement read. “The silence of the national leadership cannot erase the voice of over 500 members. If this pattern of imposition continues, it will set a dangerous precedent for trade unionism in Nigeria,” they added.

They called on civil society organisations, the media, and the public to support their call for transparency and accountability within the union.

‘…PENGASSAN has not breached constitution’

When contacted, the caretaker chairman, Tony Iziogba did not respond to our correspondent’s inquiry.

However, a source close to the national secretariat stated that PENGASSAN is a constitutional association and everything PENGASSAN does is based on the constitution.

“Under Section 31 (4) of the PENGASSAN constitution, if there is a crisis in a branch, PENGASSAN can establish a caretaker committee, it is within their power and they have done it.”

The official who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter said the management has also congratulated the caretaker committee.

He added that those who have written the petition have no locus standi, insisting that the PENGASSAN leadership had not breached the constitution.

“Also, they said the caretaker chairman has not paid his dues for years, this is not true, let them go and find out with the management. There is nothing PENGASSAN did that is illegal. Those who wrote the petition are only after their selfish interest,” he added.

When contacted the Spokesperson of NMDPRA. George Ene-Ita, said he can’t comment on the issue as it involves union members

He advised our reporter to speak with the executives of the union. (Daily Trust)