NUPENG Salutes Members On Workers Day, Tackles FG On Subsidy Removal
The President and the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), have celebrated and appreciated all their members on the auspicious occasion of the International Workers Day, May 1, Day 2023.
A statement by NUPENG President, Comrade Williams Akporeha and Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale said : “May 1st of every year is a special day to remember the long history of the contributions and efforts of men and women who have continuously toiled day and night for humanity but have also continued to engage in unending struggles to earn fair returns for their efforts and sweats.
” It’s a day set to renew and rekindle hope in the minds and consciousness of the working men and women that their struggles shall never be in vain as victory is assured at the end.”
According to the Statement this special occasion draws attention to the plight of Nigeria Oil and Gas Workers so that concerned authorities and the general public can take appropriate actions for amelioration, “adding that blue- collar workers in the Nigeria Oil and Gas Sector have continued to lament yet still exercise restrain over the increasing degeneration, indecency and precariousness of employment and working conditions in the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry.
NUPENG said it is becoming increasingly clear that the geese that is laying the golden eggs is being exploited, unappreciated and its existence threatened.
On the issue of the removal of Subsidy on PMS, NUPENG said it’s position has not changed, as it has continued to call on the Government to ensure that our local refineries are put into full operation before an important policy such as the removal of subsidy on PMS can be taken in the interest of the generality of Nigerians.
” The Union is also using this auspicious day to condemn in totality the anti- Union behavior and employment tactics of some unscrupulous indigenous and multi-national employers who have unfortunately turned the Nigeria Local Content Law into ambits of slavery and precarious employment rather than a source of fulfilling employment and empowerment for teeming qualified young Nigerians.
“The leadership of the Union is also using this special day to commend the patriotic efforts of Petroleum Tanker Drivers who even in the face of unfavorable and harsh conditions of work including the parlors state of our highways and intimidation and harassment from some unscrupulous Security Forces are still working hard to ensure that factories and other businesses are kept running and homes are kept comfortable for Nigerians.”
The Union however said it will no longer condone unwarranted attacks, intimidation and burning of their Petroleum Trucks while on genuine and legal haulage of Petroleum products by some barbaric security agents most especially among the Nigeria Army Anti-Bunkering Task Force operating in the South-South region of the country.
NUPENG said it may be force to begin resisting the impunity of soldiers and security agencies as it’s members cannot continue to fold their hands and watch our members lose their sources of livelihood in the hands of these armed men.
“To our disciplined, hardworking, and resilient members, the leadership of our great Union remains proud of your commitment and steadfastness to nation building despite all the challenges in the Oil and Gas Industry over the past one year”, NUPENG said.
