The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria yesterday expressed concern over the delay in the commencement of production of crude at the old Port Harcourt Refinery.
TUC president, Comrade Festus Osifo, raised the concern at a briefing with journalists in Abuja at the end of the labour centre’s National Executive Council (NEC ) meeting.
The labour centre said that despite assurance given by both contractors and employees of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) during the inspection in February this year that the refinery would come into fruition in the first week of April, production has not resumed.
Osifo stated that the delay in refinery operations has broader implications for the nation’s economy.
He called on the government to do everything within its arsenal to ensure that the old Port Harcourt Refinery starts production immediately.
The labour centre also raised concerns about the lack of representation for organised labour in the Oronsaye Report Implementation Committee.
The TUC demands a seat at the table to closely monitor the committee and contribute its recommendations.
“On the Oronsaye Report, there is no representation of the organised labour in that committee. We call on the government to incorporate members of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria into the committee that is currently reviewing or implementing the report.
“We cannot shave our heads when we are not there. We will not accept any fallout that impacts our members if decisions are made without our participation”, he said.
On the new minimum wage, Osifo highlighted the need for a new minimum wage to be put in place promptly. which according to him is the only way that the economy will be re-inflated.
Additionally, he addressed the long-standing issue of Labour Law review where he called on the Federal Ministry of Labour and the state governments to prioritise the review of labour laws.
TUC also frowned at the recent increase in the electricity traffic, persistent insecurity and the current economic hardship faced by Nigerians, while calling on the federal government to address the challenges.
Regarding wage awards, Comrade Osifo pointed out that federal workers have not received their due payments.
He said “The last wage award paid to federal workers was in February 2024,” the wage awards for March and April have not been disbursed. We urgently call on the government to release these payments and ensure regular disbursement moving forward.”
