NUPENG makes history, commissions 7-storey Tower amidst economic downturn

 

....Tinubu demands partnership with  NUPENGASSAN for sustainable industrial relationship 

By Andrew Ojiezel 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on organised Labour in oil and gas sector, under the umbrella of Nigeria Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and President of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (NUPENGASSAN) for cordial relationship to sustain industrial harmony that can only be sustained by social dialogue among both government and Labour.

Labour leaders while speaking with allcitynews during the epoch-making event commended NUPENG the work amidst hardship and economic downturn in the country.

 

Reiterating his call for the enriched government collaboration with members of NUPENGASSAN, Tinubu noted that the move will grow the fortunes of the nation’s oil and gas industry to the benefits of everyone.

Represented by the Minister of Petroleum of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Tinubu stressed the importance of the oil and gas sector to the success of the entire country, saying “Nigeria’s economy is largely dependent on the fortunes of the oil and had sector. It is incumbent on us all, to collaborate and grow the sectors and have sufficient funds to develop other sectors.”

The Minister described President Tinubu as a gift to the nation’s oil and gas sector, having worked in ExxonMobil, before he left. ” And today, by the  indulgence of Nigerians, he is elected to serve Nigerians, as President. As someone who was part of you in the industry, it behoves on oil and gas workers, to support him to succeed in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

Moreover, Senator Lokpobiri commended the Williams Akporeha-led leadership of NUPENG for its frugal deployment of resources for workers’improved welfare.

Continuing, the Minister said: “You will agree with me that the success of the oil and gas sector is imperative to the success of the entire Nigerian economy which is largely dependent on the oil and gas sector, ” so it is incumbent on all of us,  to collaborate and grow this sector, to have sufficient funds to carter for other subsectors of the economy.

Senator Lokpobiri commended the Williams Akporeha-led leadership of NUPENG for the deployment of resources for workers’improved welfare.

But on his part, Barrister Femi Falana (SAN) called on NUPENGASSAN to mobilise against the deceptive role being played by stakeholders in oil and gas industry whereby they kept using refineries against the country.

Lamenting against the pain as a result of hardship in the land that the masses are going through, Falana during his goodwill message charged the two unions to bail Nigerians out from the controversy that has been surrounding the nation’s refineries.

He urged the oil and gas unions to open up and speak on the current state of the refineries, where the NNPCL had claimed that Nigeria had achieved 90 per cent of 60,000bpd.

"Organised labour should hold them accountable. Government should tell the suffering masses the exact state of our refineries especially the Port Harcourt Refinery.

However, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari in a swift reaction against Falana's statement called on Falana and others to verify the true state of things by visiting the Port Harcourt Refinery. 

He said: “It is not fantasy, it is real. This is not a street talk. I am inviting you to see the ongoing level of work. It will shock you. It can be malicious to say it is not working. The Port Harcourt refinery is running and loading is currently ongoing. We are working for you all. 60,000bpd is working and running. We are sending the products into the market.”

Kyari said the nation’s refineries should not be scrapped, saying that the NNPCL is working for all, and there was no need for anyone to demarket the company.

Likewise, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero,  recalled how the union was financially incapacitated in 1993 and 1994, while in a rented apartment, stating that the greatness of NUPENG has manifested by the edifice.

Emphasising that the structure is currently the biggest edifice in the industrial union, he said the structure was an example of how labour can galvanise its finances for the benefit of members.

And also, the President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Comrade Festus Osifo, said since its inception in 1978, both unions have worked together for the betterment of the oil and gas sector and the nation at large.

In his welcome address, the President of NUPENG, Comrade Williams Akporeha, said the event marked the realization of a long-held dream and a monumental achievement for NUPENG.

”The completion of this 7-floor edifice, signifies not only the growth and advancement of NUPENG,  but also the vital role we play in the advancement of  Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The project was wholly financed from workers’ contributions and we are proud of the commitment, dedication and discipline of our rank and file members “, adding that the Tower is a physical manifestation of the tireless efforts of every single member of NUPENG, whose services and dedication have helped shape the course of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

”It is a testament of the spirit of solidarity that defines our Union and the heartbeat of our economy."

Various speakers at the commissioning which took place at the national headquarters of NUPENG, Jibowu, Lagos, Nigeria,  all commended the exemplary commitment of the Wiillam Akporeha-led leadership of NUPENG, to responding positively and sensitively to the needs and aspirations of members, including improvement in the socio-economic/welfare benefits and opportunities for members and staff.

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