The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) expressed concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s unbridled ministerial appointments.

The union’s president, Festus Osifo, voiced this concern during the Energy and Labour Summit 2023 in Abuja. This summit, themed “Petroleum Downstream Deregulation and Gas Utilisation,” was held yesterday. Notably, Osifo also presides over the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Osifo emphasized the need for a leaner government operation to manage the nation’s funds more prudently. He criticized the ongoing lavish government spending, especially when Nigerians are grappling with the repercussions of eliminated fuel subsidies.

Osifo, with a tone of deep concern, voiced, “It’s profoundly unjust for the ordinary Nigerian citizens to shoulder the burden of the government’s fiscal misjudgments while the same government remains steadfast in its opulent practices and lifestyles.”

Delving into specifics, Osifo drew attention to the present administration’s rampant hiring. “To illustrate the extravagance, the government has, as of now, appointed a startling number of media aides, totaling no fewer than six,” he pointed out emphatically. 

“Moreover, with an extensive lineup of 48 ministers, many of whom are poised to bring on board additional aides and assistants, there’s an imminent danger of the government’s bureaucratic structure becoming excessively bloated.”

Transitioning to the pressing matter of deregulation, Osifo echoed the labor movement’s unwavering viewpoint. He brought to the fore past determinations on the essential prerequisites before any potential deregulation. Reflecting on the recent summit, he mentioned the valuable insights shared by the panelists. 

With a forward-looking approach, Osifo emphasized, “To genuinely address the pressing concerns and hardships faced by Nigerians today, it’s imperative to implement immediate palliative solutions. Looking ahead, our focus should be firmly on establishing a comprehensive and efficient transportation infrastructure for the benefit of our nation.”