Blames weak establishments for inflow of expatriates
The Petroleum and Pure Gasoline Senior Employees Affiliation of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has urged the Federal Authorities to promote 51 per cent stakes within the 4 public refineries to the non-public sector to make sure they continue to be operational.
The affiliation insisted that privatisation just like the NLNG mannequin the place the federal government holds 49 per cent whereas the non-public sector owns 51 per cent would guarantee environment friendly administration of the refineries.
PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, said this in Abuja yesterday on the affiliation’s Nationwide Govt Council (NEC) assembly, confirming that the outdated Port Harcourt refinery has, certainly, come on stream.
“We want to congratulate NNPCL for the rehabilitation and profitable startup of the outdated Port Harcourt refinery. Over time, PENGASSAN has been on the forefront of demanding that these refineries be rehabilitated and introduced again into operation. This won’t cease till the remaining three refineries are efficiently rehabilitated and resume operations. Afterwards, we are going to mount a vanguard for the refineries to be privatized utilizing the NLNG mannequin that has labored effectively over the yr,” he stated.
Osifo additionally hinted that oil staff are anxious in regards to the inflow of international nationals, particularly from India, into the trade.
He famous that the unchecked inflow of junior staff is a drain on the financial system whereas urging the federal government to take deliberate steps to strengthen regulatory mechanisms and implement laws to advertise native content material and guarantee transparency and accountability.
The PENGASSAN boss famous that the neglect of the oil-bearing communities could gas unrest within the area as most communities battle environmental degradation, lack of infrastructure and normal improvement.
He added that harnessing Nigeria’s environmental safety laws within the oil and fuel trade to profit host communities requires a multi-faceted method specializing in regulatory enforcement, neighborhood engagement, and proactive environmental administration and authorized framework enhancement.
Osifo referred to as for 100 per cent implementation of the supply of host communities within the Petroleum Business Act, saying this can go a good distance in bringing stability and improvement to the affected communities.
He submitted that whereas the nation is in dire want of a practical tax system, there’s an pressing want to supply extra clarification and grant extra concessions for low-salary earners.
In line with him, the affiliation stated the N800,000 cap yearly for zero tax is simply too low. It argued that the brink must be moved as much as N1.5 million each year to permit low-salary earners a breather.
He stated: “The Affiliation famous the continuing tax reforms and needs to demand that the tax aid exemptions which can be given to these incomes minimal wage and enterprise must be expanded to accommodate extra individuals and corporations in that class. With the minimal wage going as much as N70,000 minimal, many low earners will see their pay transfer as much as about N120,000 and N150,000; subsequently, these units of staff want a tax rebate additionally. The N800,000 threshold is simply too small. The tax committee must reexamine this once more.”
Osifo additionally hinted that PENGASSAN would attend the deliberate public listening to on the tax payments on proposals in regards to the assortment of funds by the Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Fee (NUPRC) and the Nigeria Mid and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to hunt extra clarifications.
He added: “Readability should be offered concerning income assortment processes from oil and fuel corporations as some provisions within the invoice have the probability of negatively impacting our members in a few of our main branches just like the Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Fee (NUPRC) and the Nigeria Mid and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). We will be taking part actively within the public listening to the place our place will likely be properly articulated. We hereby name on the Nationwide Meeting to conduct a correct public listening to session the place completely different views will likely be collated to amend the provisions within the invoice and never simply to tick the field.”
He additionally declared his help for strike actions in states which have carried out the N70,000 nationwide minimal wage, saying: “We’re members of the Commerce Union Congress (TUC). Subsequently, we’re part of each resolution TUC takes. For the truth that most of our members usually are not minimal wage earners, we’re a part of the wrestle. We’ve got needed to go on strike for points that didn’t have an effect on us straight. This won’t be an exemption. Our enchantment is to all state governments to implement the brand new wage in order to not appeal to the wrath of the organised labour motion.”
