News
NUPENG Gives Multi-Nationals 21-Day Ultimatum …Over Anti-Labour Practices
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), yesterday, gave a 21-day ultimatum to employers in the Nigerian oil and gas industry to address workers’ welfare to ameliorate their sufferings.
NUPENG President, Prince Williams Akporeha, said at a news conference in Lagos that over 500 union members had not been paid after working for some international oil companies.
Akporeha said that apart from not paying their salaries, the companies had continuously ill-treated the workers who were also casuals.
He said the companies did not allow for unionisation, refused collective bargaining negotiation, non-payment of end of contract benefits, and practice other anti-labour activities.
“This is alien to our extant industrial rules. Some of the workers have died, while others are roaming the streets because they could not get their money.
“A prominent oil company, which is among the debtors, claimed that it cannot locate the contractor who hired the workers to do the job. This is sad,’’ Akporeha lamented.
He also said that the union was dismayed by the activities of some contractors of contract workers that were engaged by some oil companies, which had refused to pay workers their benefits after service.
Akporeha urged the oil companies to prevail on such contractors to do the needful as it was criminal and a slap on the government.
The union leader added that it was unfair that the Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) had failed to implement the 2016 agreement reached with the union on tanker drivers.
“It is few months to the expiration of the agreement and Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) have shown considerable tolerance and endurance in the denial of their rights,’’ he said.
Akporeha said that the workers had risked their lives to contribute to development of the economy, especially in the downstream value chain.
The union leader warned that the case would be reported to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to take decisive action, if the organisations failed to respect the government and its laws, and settle the workers.
He said the ultimatum would take effect from today, and urged the affected organisations to resolve contending issues to avoid further action.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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