The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has issued a warning that it is prepared to shut down all oil field locations in Nigeria if ongoing discussions with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) do not yield positive results.
TUC President Comrade Festus Usifo conveyed this threat during an interview on Channels Television.
The concerns stem from Oando PLC’s agreement with ENI, an Italian multinational energy company, to acquire 100 percent of Nigerian AGIP Oil Company Limited shares, raising questions about the fate of Nigerian workers in Agip following the ownership transition.
Usifo emphasized that the TUC’s stance is for Agip Company to follow due process, especially regarding the welfare and financial obligations to workers who have served for many years.
The TUC President outlined several key points of concern, stating, “The question is; the liabilities that have been incurred by Agip, the pension, gratuity you are supposed to pay these people? Does Oando have the financial wherewithal to be able to meet these financial obligations to our members? That is the first thing.”
Usifo also raised questions about Oando’s development plans, asserting that the future of TUC members depends on the company. He emphasized the need for transparency and adequate financial support for workers.
Regarding Oando’s capacity to manage and sustain production in oil fields, Usifo noted that International Oil Companies (IOCs) have greater financial resources to inject into asset management.
He expressed concerns about potential production declines if proper operations and enhancements were not maintained.
Usifo called for dialogue and consultation with the operators working in the oil field locations, emphasizing that dissatisfied workers cannot effectively run the assets.
He warned that if the demands were not met, TUC would withdraw its members from the respective field locations.
In response to the transition, members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in Agip have held prayer sessions in various NAOC offices and field locations across Delta, Rivers, Imo, and Bayelsa States.
They seek divine intervention and support from the Federal Government and relevant agencies to ensure due process in the engagement of Nigerian workers in the sale of NAOC shares to Oando.
PENGASSAN members are concerned about the uncertainty and potential adverse effects of the ownership transition on the workforce.