PENGASSAN to FG: Implement Policies to Create Employment

Solomon Elusoji

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called on the federal government to implement improved policies and regulations that can grow investments in the oil and gas sector which will, in return, create more employment for Nigerians while securing existing ones.

PENGASSAN made this call when its Central Working Committee (CWC) paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, recently.
While condemning the rampant cases of insecurity of personnel and damage to oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta and soliciting for an improved security system, PENGASSAN’s President, Francis Johnson, in his remarks during the visit, assured the federal government it would support any initiative that would lead to job creation and job security as against offshoring of jobs.

Although Johnson praised the enormous efforts and giant strides of Kachikwu since he assumed office as the minister, he condemned the delay in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill.
“The delay in the passage of the bill by the National Assembly has impacted negatively on the industry and the nation’s economy as a whole,” he said.

“We are canvassing for your support in fast tracking the process, as we are ready to collaborate with both the executive and the legislature in resolving labour issues envisaged in the bill.”

On the state of the refineries, Johnson noted that “the association emphatically promises to support any sustainable model that can make the refineries effective and profitable. Our association seeks strong commitment from the government to carry out a comprehensive rehabilitation of the three refineries with timelines and effect strategies of adequate and sustainable crude supply to the refineries.”

Related Articles