PENGASSAN Urges FG, Labour Unions to Rethink Wage Negotiations

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called on the federal government and labour unions to address wage challenges through a Collective Bargaining Agreement rather than relying solely on minimum wage reviews. The union made the appeal in Abuja during a tribute event for late former president, Comrade Uche Marcus Okoro.

Rising inflation and the shrinking value of workers’ income were central to discussions at the event, which also featured messages from the Trade Union Congress and the Nigeria Labour Congress on the need for improved wages in 2026.

PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, said collective bargaining offers a more practical and sustainable framework for protecting workers from economic pressures. He stressed that waiting for minimum wage adjustments alone would not adequately address current realities.

The union also urged political leaders to focus on policies that leave lasting positive impacts on citizens, noting that economic hardship continues to affect workers across multiple sectors.