The President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Comrade Festus Osifo, has expressed concern over the persistent gender discrimination faced by women in the oil and gas sector, describing it as a serious challenge affecting their professional growth and well-being.
Comrade Osifo, who also serves as the President of the Trade Union Congress, made the remarks on Monday in Abuja at the second edition of the PENGASSAN Women Annual Convention, themed “Dynamic Women: She powers the future, driving industry transformation, innovation and leadership.”
Highlighting the hurdles confronting women in the industry, he noted that many companies still operate without essential policies such as adequate maternity leave, flexible work schedules, and childcare services, all of which are critical to helping women effectively manage their careers alongside family responsibilities.
“Working women in PENGASSAN, like those in many sectors, face a range of challenges that can impact their careers and overall well-being,” he said.
Among these challenges, he identified gender bias as a key issue. “Despite progress, women may still encounter biases and stereotypes that undermine their roles and contributions in the workplace, making it difficult to gain equal opportunities for promotion and advancement,” he noted.
He further explained how the burden of balancing work and domestic duties has taken a toll on women’s mental health and job performance.
“Many working women juggle professional responsibilities with household duties, caregiving roles, and personal commitments. This dual burden can lead to stress and burnout, impacting their performance and mental health,” Osifo stressed.
Addressing the lack of support systems in many workplaces, Osifo stated, “Many workplaces lack supportive policies for maternity leave, flexible work hours, or childcare services, making it challenging for women to balance their roles effectively.”
To remedy the situation, he proposed a holistic strategy involving policy reform, support initiatives, and a cultural shift within organizations.
Osifo urged industry stakeholders to commit to inclusive employment frameworks that guarantee equality in hiring, remuneration, and career advancement.
He advocated for “the establishment of comprehensive maternity and parental leave policies, ensuring flexibility and adequate support for all working parents,” while also calling for targeted professional development programs aimed at empowering women through leadership training, negotiation workshops, and industry-specific education.
Moreover, he recommended the promotion of work-life balance through initiatives such as remote working options and on-site childcare, as well as collaborations with gender-inclusive companies to share proven strategies.
“By taking these actions, we can play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges faced by women in the industry, fostering an environment that supports their success and enhances overall organizational performance.
“Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to create a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable working environment for women,” he added.
Delivering the welcome address, the National Chairperson of the PENGASSAN Women Commission, Dr. Maryann Ada Mbanaso, emphasized the transformative role women are playing in reshaping global industries and redefining leadership.
“The world is changing. Energy is evolving. Industries are transforming and leadership is being redefined. But we are not just witnesses to this change, we are the force behind it,” she declared.
Sharing her personal inspiration, Comrade Mbanaso said, “From the time she was a little girl, she dreamed of a future where women were not just included but leading, not just invited but building.”
“I imagined a world where girls grow up knowing their place is not on the sidelines but at the forefront of transformation.
“That childhood vision has matured into the mission we celebrate today. It’s not just about those of us seated here. It’s about every girl who dares to dream of designing machines, coding systems, building clean energy, or reshaping the world through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.”
She emphasized that this year’s focus goes beyond leadership, it includes preparing the next generation of female leaders in STEM, saying, “We’re not only leading change. We are preparing the next generation to surpass us. We are building platforms for the girl-child in STEM, equipping her with tools, mentorship, access, and confidence to rise beyond barriers.
“Because when a girl sees herself in a lab coat, at the helm of a tech innovation, or leading a breakthrough in energy, she doesn’t just imagine the future, she becomes it.”
Urging action beyond words, Mbanaso added, “We gather here not just to reflect but to act. Not just to celebrate but to shape. Not just to speak but to power the future. We are no longer waiting for permission or space. We are creating space. We are claiming power. We are redesigning the very tables where decisions are made.”
She also acknowledged the growing impact of women across all levels of the industry. “From the rigs to the boardrooms, from policymaking to innovation labs, from operations to strategy, we are shifting paradigms with bold ideas, strategic thinking, and fearless leadership.”
The convention attracted top dignitaries from across the oil and gas industry, reaffirming the growing support for gender equity in one of the country’s most critical economic sectors.
