Following the issues affecting the oil and gas sector of the economy, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has convened a stakeholders forum scheduled to hold in Abuja on Thursday. The Minister, Sen. Chris Ngige, revealed this on Wednesday during an interactive meeting with contractors in the sector. He said that the meeting is aimed at dowsing the tension in the sector, particularly over labour issues.
“It is important we speak with you on certain allegations that has been laid by both the principal oil companies, PENGASSAN and NUPENG, such as the staff contracting, some of your companies are involved in outsourcing of staff and some of these jobs are due to Nigerians. Even when you know that Nigerians are qualified, they are sidelined.
“Two, that when you collect your payments from the principal oil companies, the majors, you do not pay Nigerians who you so recruit, for whom you are liable in terms of their payment of salaries.
“Three,that you also fail to remit pension benefits, taxes, National Health Insurance Scheme and compensation as under the Compensation Act of Nigeria to the appropriate organs of governments.”
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Clement Illo,said that the ministry would soon embark on the verification of recruiters licençe in the oil and gas sector, adding that the recruiters’ license was essential for each company operating in the country as it contained general provisions for employment.
