PENGASSAN gets new president, vows to fight casualisation

Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro has taken the helm as the new President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), succeeding Festus Osifo. Olabiyi-Agoro, a petroleum engineer and labor leader with over two decades of experience, immediately signaled his administration's core mission: a robust fight against casualization and prolonged contract staffing within Nigeria's oil and gas sector.

His election occurred at the association's Quadrennial National Delegates Conference in Abuja. Olabiyi-Agoro, who previously held various union leadership roles, including National Financial Secretary and Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Oyo State Council, takes over from Osifo after a six-year tenure. The transition saw the unveiling of nine other national officers, with the position of National Auditor I being the only contested seat.

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I must pay tribute to the man whose shoes I am privileged to step into, Comrade Festus Osifo, leader, builder, and fighter. Under your tenure, PENGASSAN became stronger, more respected, and more feared by those who seek to exploit our members.

In his acceptance speech, Olabiyi-Agoro paid a glowing tribute to his predecessor, Festus Osifo, describing him as a leader who significantly strengthened PENGASSAN's influence and secured crucial benefits for its members. "Under your tenure, PENGASSAN became stronger, more respected, and more feared by those who seek to exploit our members," Olabiyi-Agoro stated, highlighting Osifo's efforts in defending jobs during divestments and securing an unprecedented collective bargaining agreement.

Despite celebrating the legacy left by Osifo, Olabiyi-Agoro acknowledged the evolving challenges facing industry workers. His administration will navigate the complexities of industry divestments, restructuring, automation, and the global energy transition, aiming to build upon the foundation laid by his predecessor while addressing contemporary realities.

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You defended jobs during divestments, you fought for an unprecedented CBA and its implementation, and you gave PENGASSAN a voice at the highest tables in government. Comrade, on behalf of over 30,000 PENGASSAN members, I say thank you. Your legacy is our foundation, and we will carefully and consciously build upon it.