News
Akwa Ibom Govt threatens to sanction foreign firm for maltreating indigenous workers
The Akwa Ibom State Government has issued a warning to Sterling Global Petrochemical Company, an international oil prospecting firm operating in Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, and Eastern Obollo local government areas, regarding reported mistreatment of local workers.
The state has mandated the company to provide the employment status of all individuals working on its projects, including expatriates, or risk having its license and land revoked.
Chief Assam Assam, SAN, the Director General of Government Business and former Nigerian Ambassador to Russia and Belarus, who chairs the mediation committee between the oil firm and the affected communities, issued this warning on Monday. He was responding to allegations of the company’s disrespect and non-compliance with worker engagement rules.
Assam emphasized that any employment of Akwa Ibom workers must meet globally accepted conditions, whether in public or private sectors. He criticized the company’s insensitivity and use of military intimidation, stating the government will not tolerate actions that treat Akwa Ibom residents as second-class citizens.
“Sterling Global must learn from Governor Umo Eno’s labor-friendly approach and act as a responsible corporate citizen. Failure to comply will result in the state government revoking the land granted to the company. We will not accept our people being reduced to slaves in their own land. We need to see the list of your employees to ensure no arms are imported under the guise of equipment,” Assam stated.
He further warned that non-compliance would lead to the revocation of all licenses and land grants, and the expulsion of unverified expatriates from the company’s facilities.
Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Aniefiok Nkom, criticized Sterling Global for its irresponsible operations, disregard for court orders, and refusal to engage with the state government to resolve ongoing issues.
Mr. Okon Okon, Executive Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, revealed that Sterling Global has not paid any tenement or PAYE taxes, indicating a deliberate attempt to evade taxes.
Transition committee chairmen for Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, and Eastern Obollo LGAs lamented the hardships inflicted by Sterling Global and praised the state government for intervening as the situation had become intolerable.
When asked to provide the staff list, Sterling Global’s Human Resource Manager, Mr. David Walker, admitted he did not have it with him but mentioned that 3,710 people are employed on the company’s projects. Walker presented the company’s conditions of service but clarified it did not include the positions and salaries of expatriates, as these are only for nationals.
Dangote Refinery has announced that it will need to export 95-97 percent of its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) due to low interest from Nigerian marketers. The refinery, which processes 650,000 barrels per day, revealed that only 3 to 5 percent of petrol marketers are purchasing its fuel.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, shared these details during an X Space session hosted by Nairametrics on Wednesday. He highlighted the challenges facing both the Dangote Refinery and Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Edwin explained, “I’m selling 2 to 3 percent to small traders who are willing to buy, while the remaining 95 to 97 percent has to be exported,” referring to the local sales of the refinery’s products.
This situation arises as the NNPCL’s deadline for adjusting the Dangote Refinery’s fuel distribution approaches without a clear plan in sight. It is worth noting that while Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced the refinery’s initial petrol rollout, its distribution to marketers is contingent upon NNPCL’s decisions.
The final sixteen teams for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia have been determined following the conclusion of the group stage.
In recent matches, Ghana triumphed over New Zealand with a score of 3-1, and Japan secured a 2-0 victory against Austria.
As a result, Japan has advanced to the Round of 16, joining the other 15 teams in this knockout stage.
The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
The full lineup for the Round of 16 is as follows:
- Spain vs Canada
- Brazil vs Cameroon
- Colombia vs South Korea
- Mexico vs USA
- North Korea vs Austria
- Germany vs Argentina
- Netherlands vs France
- Japan vs Nigeria
The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of widespread resignations among its soldiers due to issues like corruption and low morale.
In a statement, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, dismissed these reports as unfounded.
A news outlet had alleged that numerous Nigerian soldiers were resigning because of corruption and low morale. However, the statement condemned these allegations as misleading and a deliberate attempt to create discontent and undermine the Nigerian Army’s reputation and the dedication of its personnel.
Major General Nwachukwu clarified that, similar to other military organizations worldwide, service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary rather than mandatory. This means that personnel have the freedom to resign following established procedures.
He explained that the resignation process allows personnel to prepare and manage their entitlements, including pensions and gratuities, as outlined in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers).
Contrary to the report’s implications, the statement emphasized that Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a priority under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
We’ll be forced to export 97% of our petrol – Dangote Refinery warns
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