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President Bola Tinubu has expressed the need for Labour Unions to strengthen ties with the government for the benefit of Nigerians.
The President, who was represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lopkpobiri stated this at the Grand Commissioning of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Tower on Wednesday in Lagos.
Tinubu noted that the success of the country’s oil and gas sector is dependent on the success of NUPENG and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
In his appeal to the leaders of the Labour Union, he urged them not to pursue industrial actions but to engage in dialogue for the betterment of the country.
The President also assured them that he was open to considering the best ideas they bring to the table.
“It is important for Labour Unions to strengthen ties with government so that we will be able to grow the sector for the benefit of Nigerians.
“The success of the oil and gas sector will be measured by the success of NUPENG and PENGASSAN.
“It is the workforce that determines the success of any organisation.
“Let us deepen our collaboration. Let us sustain dialogue on all matters. Instead of embarking upon industrial actions, let us dialogue.
“As the Federal Government, we are committed to listening to the best ideas you want to bring to the table,” he said.
In his Goodwill message, The Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Mele Kyari restated that the Port Harcourt Refinery is not fantasy but real and producing products.
The CEO noted that they are working tirelessly to bring back other refineries, giving assurances that they will work.
Kyari, however, appealed to Nigerians not to demarket it, saying that it belongs to everyone.
He, therefore, confirmed that the company is working for the good of Nigerians.
“The Portharcourt refinery is not fantasy. It is real. We know where it is coming from.
“The plant is running. As we speak now, loading is ongoing. It is producing products as we speak now. We are sending these products to the markets soon.
“Speaking of other refineries, It is not street talk. I am inviting you to see the other refineries. They will work. Blending is part of refinery. There is no refinery that does not blend. Gasoline is a mixture of chemicals.
“Let us see NNPC as the company that belongs to all of us. We should not demarket it.
“I can confirm to you that we are working for you” He said.
Meanwhile, The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Barr. Femi Falana challenged the comrades to tell Nigerians the actual state of the refineries.
According to him, This is important because Nigerians cannot afford to depend on a capitalist like Dangote.
The President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero said the greatness of NUPENG has manifested through the succession of leaders since it was dissolved in 1993/94.
According to him, the new edifice is the best and biggest legacy in Labour Movement.
President, PENGASSAN and Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo described the Union’s President as a goal getter and financially prudent.
ALSO READ: Port Harcourt refinery: PENGASSAN debunks shutdown rumors, affirms full operations
In his opening remarks, The National President of NUPENG, Comrade Williams Akporeha said the President’s policies helped pave way for growth and development but there is need for hardwork.
Williams emphasized collaboration for sustainable, inclusive and equitable Nigeria’s energy future.
He, therefore, lauded industry partners in the downstream sector’s collaboration and shared commitment to the success of the industry.
The President noted that partnerships must be strengthened for the sector to remain globally competitive and capable of meeting the needs of all Nigerians.
This was just as he stated that NUPENG has always been about more than just negotiations and contracts but the people.
“President Bola Tinubu’s policies have helped pave way for growth and development, but the work does not stop here.
“We must work together to ensure that Nigeria’s energy future is sustainable, inclusive and equitable for all Nigerians.
“To our industry partners in the downstream sector, we appreciate your collaboration and shared commitment to the success of our industry.
“The challenges of today require collective effort, and we must continue to strengthen our partnerships to ensure that our sector remains globally competitive and capable of meeting the needs of all Nigerians.
“NUPENG has always been about more than just negotiations and contracts. We are about people. We are about ensuring that the workers who power this nation receive the dignity, respect and fair compensation they deserve,” he said.
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