By Bimbola Oyesola
The Lagos chapter of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has demanded urgent intervention of government to address economic challenges in the country.
PENGASSAN stated that this would alleviate the hardship facing Nigerian workers.
Chairman, Eyam Abeng, speaking at the zonal executive council (ZEC) meeting convened at the union’s national secretariat in Lagos, underscored the imperative for the federal government to honour agreements with labour unions, particularly regarding the increment in minimum wage and the rehabilitation of refineries.
Abeng highlighted the detrimental impact of recent economic policies, notably the removal of fuel subsidies and the depreciation of the Naira, on workers’ livelihoods.
“Let us state unequivocally that the value of the Naira cannot improve from its free fall except when the government takes practical steps and strong will to increase productivity, exportation and reduce importation. One practical way towards achieving this objective is by providing necessary support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by transparent provision of grants, tax holidays and improved power availability,” he explained.
He further advised the government to ramp up efforts to end wanton killings and kidnapping by armed bandits and insurgents across the Country. “In addition, we call on the government to invest recovered loots in developmental programmes such as power, education, health, and transportation infrastructures instead of sharing it among the “supposed” poor, which can make such loots to be relooted.”
Abeng urged state Governors in Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, Kwara, Oyo, and Ondo to expedite the implementation of minimum wage policies and prioritize the allocation of resources towards essential socio-economic projects.
Reflecting on the achievements of the Zonal leadership, Abeng emphasized successful resolutions of industrial disputes and improvements in welfare conditions.
However, he noted that the union needed to improve its efforts in unionizing more companies within the sector such as Seplat, Heritage Oil, and Dangote Refinery.
This is even as he called for unity among its members. “May I seek every ZEC member’s understanding and cooperation for us to work as a team and hope that all members will continue to give us greater support and solidarity in dealing with any Labour, industry and national issue that may confront us in the future and ensuring strong, united and cohesive Zone in the PENGASSAN body.”