The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called on the federal government and trade unions nationwide to address wage inadequacies through comprehensive collective bargaining agreements (CBA), rather than relying solely on periodic minimum wage reviews.
Speaking at a Special Night of Tribute in Abuja over the weekend to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Sosoliso plane crash that claimed the life of former PENGASSAN president Comrade Uche Marcus Okoro, the union’s National President, Comrade Festus Osifo, emphasised that collective bargaining could provide workers with enhanced pay and better protection against inflation.
Osifo urged other unions to follow PENGASSAN’s example, highlighting recent mediation talks involving the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU).
He noted that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission had acknowledged how oil and gas workers leveraged CBAs to negotiate improved compensation, stressing that similar strategies could benefit workers in other sectors.
“The minimum wage is just the baseline. Each sector and workforce needs to negotiate for conditions specific to their realities to shield members from inflation and other economic challenges, ” he said.
Beyond wage advocacy, Osifo paid tribute to the late Comrade Uche Okoro, describing him as a courageous and selfless labour leader who dedicated his life to improving workers’ welfare.
PENGASSAN has also immortalised Okoro by naming its national headquarters building in his honor.
Former PENGASSAN president Comrade Peter Esele recalled Okoro’s boldness and commitment to labour rights, sharing poignant memories of their last conversation before Okoro boarded the ill-fated Sosoliso flight.
Mrs. Lilian Okoro, the late president’s widow, recounted the emotional toll of losing her husband and expressed gratitude to PENGASSAN for its support to her family over the years.
The event also served as a reminder to political leaders, Osifo said, to pursue enduring legacies that improve the lives of Nigerians.
“Leadership is remembered by the lives you touch,” he added, urging officials to prioritise policies that safeguard citizens’ welfare.
