The Nation Newspaper

Tag: PENGASSAN

  • ‘Separate Petroleum ministry from Presidency’

    The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to separate the Ministry of Petroleum Resources from the Presidency to make it efficient.

    It urged the incoming federal lawmakers to ensure that they pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as soon as possible.

    PENGASSAN President Francis Olabode spoke after the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos.

    Briefing reporters, he said Buhari should ensure that the Petroleum Ministry was separated in his second term.

    “The office of the President is too big to add Petroleum Ministry to it. There are a lot of things to be done to make Nigeria independent in refining our products rather than relying on imports,” he said.

    On the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Olabode lamented that it had suffered delays over the years.

    He said: “This bill, which started as the Oil and Gas Sector Reform Implementation Committee report, has been on for 18 years since April 2000. It has gone through various stages with the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill at the forefront.

    “We call on the government (both the executive and legislative arms) to ensure that this bill is passed as soon as they settle down in order to have investors’ confidence in our industry.”

    He said the bill was being stalled by multinationals who believe that it would unfavourable to them.

    Olabode expressed concern over casualisation, contract staffing and outsourcing in the oil and gas industry, saying: “We will continue to engage various stakeholders in ensuring that this menace is adequately resolved in the larger interest of our members

    He stated that to cut cost, most companies, especially the indigenous ones, had resorted to underhand tactics in labour-management relations.

    “Some of these include prevention of members from unionising, disrespect for signed collective bargaining agreements and intimidation and victimisation of labour union and members,” he said.

    He however commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in ensuring  adequate supply of the Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).

    He said: “We call on the government to intensify efforts at increasing local refining and remove all encumbrances to the full rehabilitation of all the refineries.

    Olabode commended the Federal Government in it fight against corruption, adding that it should cover all sectors.

    His word: “We believe that the fight against corruption should not be allowed to shrink but rather sustained to cover all sectors and maintain the gains under this dispensation.

    “We advise that reports of probes instituted by the two chambers of the National Assembly and other agencies of government should not be shoved aside but dusted, and those indicted prosecuted.

    “The government should make all effort to see that all recovered looted funds should be accounted for and re-invested into the economy to reduce unemployment.”

    Olabode called on the government to optimise productivity and economic growth.

    “I want to assure you that all industrial issues with utmost seriousness that the elections are over and all recalcitrant companies who think they are above Nigerian laws should brace up for a rude awakening, as the association will explore all possible means to ensure no organisation undermines any provisions of the country’s laws,” he said.

     

  • NNPC begins rehabilitation of Port-Harcourt refinery

    Nigeria’s effort at ensuring local sufficiency in refined petroleum products was bolstered on Thursday with the formal commencement of the first phase of the rehabilitation of the 210,000 barrels per day capacity Port-Harcourt Refinery complex that comprises the 60,000 barrels per day old Refinery built in 1965 and the 150,000 barrels per day, new Refinery, commissioned in 1989.

    The exercise, flagged–off by an elated Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, at a formal kick–off meeting in the premises of the refinery in Port-Harcourt, came 19 years after the last Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) exercise of the nation’s premier refining plant.

    NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, in a release in Abuja, said the project would be executed by Milan-based Maire Tecnimont S.p.A, in collaboration with its Nigerian affiliate, Tecnimont Nigeria.

    The release disclosed that Maire Tecnimont S.p.A is listed on Milan Stock Exchange with interest in international engineering and construction, technology and licensing, and energy business development, adding that the Tecnimont group had operations in 40 different countries, numbering about 50 operative companies with a workforce of about 5,500 employees.

    The NNPC’s spokesman quoted the GMD as saying that at the end of the phase 1, the Refinery complex should be able to reach 60 per cent capacity utilisation.

    Ughamadu stated that NNPC was engaging eni/NAOC as Technical Advisor to support the Rehabilitation of PHRC, saying NNPC/PHRC would leverage eni’s extensive refinery supply chain network and warehouses to procure critical materials for the programme.

    He noted the first phase of the rehabilitation contract which would run for six months will involve detailed integrity check and equipment inspection of the Port-Harcourt Refinery complex beginning from end of March, 2019.

    The integrity test comes as a forerunner to the second phase of the rehabilitation project which entails a comprehensive revamp of the complex aimed at restoring the refinery to a minimum of 90 per cent capacity utilisation.

    Subject to the successful completion of the integrity checks, Phase 2 of the project would be executed on an Engineering Procurement Construction basis by Tecnimont in collaboration with the original builders of the plant, JGC of Japan.

    READ ALSO: We are recruiting, NNPC confirms

    Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Antonio Vella, Chief Officer, Upstream, Eni, said all the companies involved would deploy all available modern resources to ensure effective upgrade of the plant.

    Vella enthused that with the commitment of all parties involved, it was certain that NNPC would be able to celebrate the revamp of the PHRC that would lead to its full capacity utilization on schedule and in full safety.

    Speaking on behalf of the workers unions, Comrade Odor Victor Ayiri, Branch Chairman of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) and Comrade Dibiah Joseph, Chairman of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), jointly pledged the support of workers to ensuring a smooth turnaround of the facility.

    It will be recalled that the NNPC had to abandon its earlier funding strategy by its DSDP Term Contractors/Consortia due to onerous conditions demanded after more than twelve (12) months of negotiations.

     NNPC has resolved to immediate direct funding from internal cash flows while it goes to the financial markets for debt financing.

    NNPC further segmented the Rehabilitation to begin with Port-Harcourt Refinery Complex and then progress to Warri and Kaduna Refinery complexes using the same methodology.

  • PENGASSAN to tackle oil firm on staff disengagement

    members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) may have resolved to challenge ExxonMobil over its plan to disengage its workers.

    The association, in a statement by its President, Comrade Olabode Johnson, said the union was disappointed with fresh disengagement letters served many Nigerian executives in the oil firm, saying the union would confront the management with a protracted labour dispute.

    He said the union had on three occasions warned the multinational to desist from its discriminatory de-Nigerianisation stance, which has, in the last three years, excluded Nigerians from performing strategic functions in the establishment.

    The union noted that membership of the entire special review, which determined the current spate of sacks, retirements and job losses are whites, saying there was no single Nigerian in the team.

    PENGASSAN sources early said the company had demonstrated impunity in its activities, to the extent of ignoring court summons and appearances and gone forward to relieve top Nigerians of their positions.

    The union said: “It is unfortunate that reported intimidation, harassment, bullying, witch-hunting and unethical practices, reported against the special review or investigation team by PENGASSAN was not investigated and addressed by the firm.

    “The demand of PENGASSAN communicated through our letter dated November 21, 2018 to suspend the review, was ignored and treated with utmost disdain.

    “Our sources can reveal that the company, which is now inundated with several legal issues relating to this, is not relenting in its plots of de-Nigerianisation, and has replaced its Nigerian security employees with a new arrival of over 30 foreigners posted within and outside the establishment. This development trails the occurrence, few months ago, where a good number of some lower employees were replaced in the same manner.”

    Johnson said the action attracted a protracted legal tussle which the company eventually lost, even though it went on to accomplish its bidding.

    “Our investigations indicated that the current spate of replacements and terminations are grossly against the Presidential order recently released by the Federal Government, which, among other things, seeks to enforce local content in procurement and employment among companies operating in Nigeria,” the union said.

    However, Media and Communications Manager, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPN), Oge Udeagha, said: “It is MPN’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities, in conformance with all applicable laws and regulations, to individuals, who are qualified to perform job requirements.

    “All matters relating to our employees are private, and we therefore, decline to comment further on this issue.”

  • PENGASSAN draws battle line with Exxonmobil over sack

    A possible confrontation between members of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Exxonmobil is by the corner, following moves by the oil giant to disengage some of its local employees this week, The Nation has learnt.

    The union had on three occasions warned the multinational firm to desist from its various levels of discriminatory de-Nigerianisation stance, which has in the last three years excluded the citizens from performing strategic functions in the office.

    It was gathered that membership of all the Special Review which determines the current spate of sacks, retirements and job losses are whites. There is no single black person in the team.

    PENGASSAN sources indicated early in the week that the company has demonstrated a lot of impunity in its activities, to the extent of even ignoring court summons and appearances and has gone forward to relieve top Nigerians of their positions.

    The union said: “It is unfortunate that reported intimidation, harassment, bullying, witch-hunting and unethical practices, reported against the Special Review or investigation team by PENGASSAN was not investigated and addressed by the company.

    “The demand of PENGASSAN communicated through our letter dated November 21, 2018 to suspend the review, was ignored and treated with utmost disdain.”

    Our sources can reveal that the company, which is now inundated with several legal issues relating to this, is not relenting in its plots of de-Nigerianisation, and has replaced its Nigerian security employees with a new arrival of over 30 foreigners posted within and outside the establishment. This development trails the occurrence, few months ago, where a good number of some lower employees were replaced in the same manner.

    The union said the action  attracted a protracted legal tussle which the company eventually lost, even though it went on to accomplish its bidding. This expresses the pattern of disregard for law when it comes to treating Nigerians in the organisation, the body stated.

    When contacted, Manager, Media and Communications, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPN), Mr. Oge Udeagha, said: “It is MPN’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities, in conformance with all applicable laws and regulations, to individuals who are qualified to perform job requirements.

    All matters relating to our employees are private, and we therefore decline to comment further on this issue.

  • NUPENG, PENGASSAN urge Buhari to accelerate PIB assent

    Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) have  appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to assent the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

    The oil workers argued that the bill, when passed into law, would end political interference in the sector and optimise value chain in the upstream, midstream and downstream of the petroleum industry.

    They said it would also separate the role of policy makers from the regulator.

    Giving more instances, the unions noted that in the Bill, roles and accountability are better clarified; governance and transparency strengthened, and inefficiency, maladministration, corruption and secrecy are tackled.

    According to them, these are important and must be upheld. The unions said this why they commended the Federal Government for its milestone with the flag-off and official commencement of crude oil search in the Kolmani Well River-II, located near Barambu, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

    They said the feat achieved was a reflection of government’s resolve and commitment to grow Nigeria’s economy, boost capacity and provide energy sufficiency as well as strengthen the country’s oil and gas industry.

    The initiative, according to the workers, would go a long way in galvanising the current government’s national drive for jobs creation, youth empowerment and human capital development.

    They also extended their commendations to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, and the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru,  for their contributions to the ceremony.

    “The untiring and fantastic efforts of our irrepressible members to the realisation of the noble dream are also highly commendable and we praise their uncommon contributions to the growth and development of our dear country.

    “There is no iota of doubt in our minds that workers have capacity and ability to deliver even much more than their counterparts in other climes when given the right tools and right working environment and conditions to do so.

    “This historic flag off is without doubt, a full demonstration of Nigerians’ resilience, doggedness and determination, and the entire productive oil and gas workers are very proud of this great achievement and we promise to keep raising the bar with other committed stakeholders.”

     

  • PENGASSAN seeks PIB passage

    THE Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has demanded the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the National Assembly.

    It also demanded assent of President Muhamadu Buhari to the bill before the expiration of his tenure.

    Speaking with The Nation, its President Comrade Francis Olabode Johnson said the implementation of the PIB would ensure investors’ confidence in the industry.

    He said: “This Bill has been on for 18 years now since April 2000; it has gone through various stages. We call on the Executive and Legislative arms, to ensure that this Bill is passed before the expiration of the tenure of this administration in order to restore investors’ confidence in our industry.”

    He described the issue of casualisation, contract staffing and outsourcing as a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of the oil and gas industry.

    “We will continue to engage various stakeholders in ensuring that this menace is adequately resolved in the larger interest of our members,” Johnson said.

    He regretted that the issue of unfair labour practices in the industry.

    “To cut cost, most companies, especially the indigenous ones have resorted to underhand tactics in the practice of Labour-Management relations. Some of these include frustration of members to unionise, disrespect for agreements and intimidation and victimisation of Union leaders and members. We must all join hands in putting a stop to this with the strong supporting the weak,” he said.

  • PENGASSAN warns against sale of refineries

    The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has opposed the planned sale of refineries.

    PENGASSAN said selling was not the option, reacting to the plans of the candidates to sell the refineries, if elected.

    Speaking at the 5th NNPC Group Executive Council (GEC) Triennial Delegates Conference in Abuja, PENGASSAN President Francis Olabode Johnson urged the Federal Government to speed up the rehabilitation of the refineries and ensure that they work optionally.

    Johnson said: “We strongly appeal to the Federal Government to hasten work on the rehabilitation of the refineries as conflicting pronouncements are creating more confusion. We urge the government to fast track the rehabilitation of the refineries so that the intended sales as been propagated in certain quarters will not be accepted.

    “PENGASSAN’s position from time immemorial has been the NLNG Model and for the model to be accepted by the association. The rehabilitation of these refineries must be concluded, as this will go a long way in not short-changing the Nigerian nation.”

    Speaking at the Delegates Conference, with the theme: The role of labour in maintaining industrial and political stability in Nigeria, Johnson hailed the NNPC management for resolving the Joint Venture cash call conundrum and successful rehabilitation of depots in Mosimi, Ore, Aba, Gombe, Ibadan, Calabar, Ilorin, Kaduna and others.

    He said: “We will use this medium to sincerely appreciate the dedication and commitment efforts of the NNPC Management in their investment drive to position the corporation for greater efficiency.

    “We are again grateful to the management of NNPC and other subsidiaries units for their support on capacity development, improved staff welfare and career progression for some of our members of the GEC and our associations as a whole. We equally commend the management for their understanding in resolving issues involving some management staff recently.”

    Also in his speech, the GEC Chairman, Sulaiman Sulaiman, called on the management of NNPC to prioritise revitalisation of the downstream sector, especially the refineries, depots and the rising cases of pipeline vandalism.

    He explained that the three refineries in the country are almost grounded producing only at about 30 per cent of installed capacity with the proposed financier model being proposed by the NNPC management remained unattainable.

    He emphasised that this development is giving the workforce some concern, saying the other staff related issues that need urgent management intervention include deterioration of staff strength in almost every section of the corporation that include human capacity development, training and succession planning.

  • We won’t go on strike, PENGASSAN, NUPENG assure

    The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has said its members would not go on strike.

    Depot owners had threatened to shut down services over issues bordering on non-payment of outstanding subsidy claims.

    The statement by the union came at a time many Nigerians have braced themselves for the usual end of the year scarcity associated with petroleum products in the country.

    But, in a statement signed by PENGASSAN President, Comrade Francis Johnson, the union noted that after series of engagements with government representatives and marketers, coupled with the on-going meetings, consultations and negotiations between the government and oil marketers, they have been assured by the government that the first part of the debt payment will be made not later than December 14, 2018.

    “With this commitment and firm assurance from the government representatives, we have resolved to hold down on taking any action on the issues to allow government fulfil its pledge,” Johnson said.

    While assuring Nigerians that the decision was in the best interest of the nation, the industry as well as job security of its members, the union urged the public to refrain from panic buying or stock piling of petroleum products.

    “Our resolve and decision are purely nationalistic, patriotic and in the overall interest of our great country and we plead for understanding of the general public and all parties in this matter,’’ Johnson said.

    Also, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) President, Comrade Williams Akporeha, has urged his members to remain calm and continue to provide their services as required always.

    The union leader assured his members and the public that the decision was based on upholding the overall interest of the nation, the industry as well as job security of its members. He urged the public to refrain from panic buying or stockpiling of petroleum products.

    Read also: FMC doctors threaten strike over kidnapping

    Speaking to newsmen after meeting with officials of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and oil marketers’ representatives, Akporeha said they had intervened in the crisis to protect the interest of its members, and that of the country.

    Saying if the subsidy debt issue was not resolved amicably, it might lead to the sack of its members by the oil marketers, Akporeha, however, cautioned its members against joining any strike action not called by the leadership of the unions.

    “Our members should note that until they hear from us, everybody should continue to do their work. If anybody goes against our directive, there are consequences; there are procedures for sanctions,” he said.

    Akporeha assured Nigerians that there would be an unhindered distribution of petroleum products during the yuletide, as its members will not embark on any strike.

  • NUPENG, PENGASSAN say no to strike

    Oil workers unions have reassured the Federal government that its members will not join in the strike being threatened by  depot owners outstanding subsidy claims.

    The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers  (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) said in a joint statement by their presidents Messrs Francis Johnson and Williams Akporeha, in Abuja  that  the unions resolved to hold down on taking any action on the issues to allow government fulfill its pledge.

    “After series of engagements with government representatives and marketers, coupled with the on-going meetings, consultations and negotiations between the government and oil marketers, we have been assured by government that the first part of the debt payment will be made not later than 14th December,” they said.

    “With this commitment and firm assurance from the government representatives, the leadership of NUPENG and PENGASSAN have resolved to hold down on taking any action on the issues to allow government fulfill its pledge.

    “Our members should therefore remain calm and continue to provide their services as required always.”

    The union leaders assured their members and the public that the decisions were based on upholding the overall interest of the nation, the industry as well as job security of its members.

    They urged the public to refrain from panic buying or stockpiling of petroleum products.

    “We firmly believe that the current engagements and discussions among all concerned stakeholders will lead to amicable resolution of matters at hand.

    “Our resolve and decision are purely nationalistic, patriotic and in overall interest of our great country and we plead for understanding of the general public and all parties in this matter,’’ they said.

  • ‘NUPENG, PENGASSAN not going on strike’

    The Oil workers unions have reassured the Federal government that its members would not go on strike over the threat of depot owners to shut down services over issues on payment of outstanding subsidy claims.

    The unions are the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers  (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

    The unions made this known in a joint statement signed by their presidents Messrs Francis Johnson and Willians Akporeha, in Abuja on Saturday.

    “After series of engagements with government representatives and marketers, coupled with the on-going meetings, consultations and negotiations between the government and oil marketers, we have been assured by government that the first part of the debt payment will be made not later than 14th December.

    “With this commitment and firm assurance from the government representatives, the leadership of NUPENG and PENGASSAN have resolved to hold down on taking any action on the issues to allow government fulfill its pledge.

    “Our members should therefore remain calm and continue to provide their services as required always,’’ it said.

    The unions leaders assured their members and the public that the decisions was based on upholding the overall interest of the nation, the industry as well as job security of its members.

    They urged the public to refrain from panic buying or stock pilling of petroleum products.

    “We firmly believe that the current engagements and discussions among all concerned stakeholders will lead to amicable resolution of matters at hand.

    “Our resolve and decision are purely nationalistic, patriotic and in overall interest of our great country and we plead for understanding of the general public and all parties in this matter,’’ they said.