It was a relief for Nigerians Friday when oil workers in the country announced the suspension of their nationwide strike following agreement with the Federal Government.
The workers under the auspices of NUPENG and PENGASSAN met with the supervising minister of labour and productivity, Alh Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, for 13 hours after which they issued a communiqué stating their agreements.
Oil workers’ strike especially at this festive season of yuletide would spelt untold hardship for Nigerians of Christian faith who travel in their millions to various parts of the country to celebrate the festivity.
The comminque was signed at the end of the meeting by all relevant stakeholders involved in the discussion, the government agreed to meet some of the demands of the unions while further discussions will continue on the others.
The communiqué reads in part, “Transfer and termination of the Port Harcourt zonal secretary of PENGASSAN, Mrs Elo Victor-Ogbondah by Total E & P Nigeria Limited: Agreement was reached for Mrs Elo Victor-Ogbondah to be reinstated.
“Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB): The meeting noted the benefits associated with the Bill but regretted the delay in passing by the National Assembly. It was suggested that the FML&P, MPR, NUPENG and PENGASSAN should meet on the subject to decide on the best productive line of action.
“End of contract of the Port Harcourt zonal treasurer of NUPENG, Ikohesa O. Ikohesa, by Mobil Producing Nigeria Limited: The meeting appealed to the Mobil Producing Nig. Unlimited to request the contractor, Messrs Halden Nig. Limited to reabsorb Ikohesa for employment.
“Casualisation, contract staffing and outsourcing: The meeting noted that the guidelines are still subsisting and the Trade Unions were advised to submit the names of companies defaulting from the guidelines. Furthermore, it was noted that the guidelines have been submitted to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for gazetting as regulations. Also, the need to update the guidelines in view of the changing world of work was identified.”
Other issues such as refineries turnaround maintenance and crude oil supply were stepped down as no comment could be authoritatively made at the meeting on the state of the refineries.
