Oil Workers Reject Tinubu’s Order, Warn President To Withdraw Directive
- By Metropolix ~
- February 21, 2026 --
- 0 Comment
— PENGASSAN
By Muyiwa Akinola
Following the executive order made by President Tinubu regarding oil revenue, Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has officially rejected the order and has told the President to withdraw it with immediate effect.
The union warns that the directive, which mandates the direct remittance of oil and gas revenues to the Federation Account, could jeopardize the industry’s stability and scare off international investors.
Signed on Wednesday, the order effectively scraps the 30% Frontier Exploration Fund and stops the 30% management fee previously retained by the NNPCL.
While the Presidency argues this move will curb wasteful deductions and increase funds for federal and state governments, PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, contends that the President was “misled” by his advisers.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Osifo argued that an executive order cannot legally override the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which took a decade to pass.
He noted that such a sudden policy shift sends a “dangerous signal” to the international community, suggesting that Nigerian laws can be brushed aside at will.
This uncertainty, he fears, could halt the recent trickle of foreign investment into the sector.
Beyond investment concerns, the union raised an alarm over job security. Osifo stated that the new financial constraints could leave the NNPCL unable to meet its obligations, putting nearly 4,000 jobs at risk.
PENGASSAN is now calling on the President to immediately withdraw the order and engage in proper legislative channels if amendments to the PIA are necessary.
The union maintains that while the industry needs transparency, it must not come at the cost of legal order and economic survival.
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