The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has urged the Federal Government to halt the Nigerian Navy’s destruction of refining sites labeled as “illegal” in the Niger Delta region. Addressing reporters at the conclusion of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, NULGE President Ambali Olatunji emphasized that destroying these sites offers no benefits to the nation’s oil and gas sector or its citizens. Instead, he advocated for proper licensing of these sites, suggesting that they be taxed to generate revenue and create job opportunities.
Olatunji also appealed for increased licensing of modular refineries with the capacity to refine crude oil, particularly in light of multinational companies scaling back their operations in Nigeria. He argued that supporting local initiatives in refining oil within the country would contribute to economic growth and job creation, especially when coupled with efforts to implement a reasonable minimum wage.
Furthermore, the NULGE President highlighted the challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidies, urging the government to alleviate the resulting hardships by establishing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) centers nationwide. Additionally, he called for swift action from the President and the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage to reach an acceptable wage agreement for workers.
Lastly, Olatunji stressed the importance of community policing at the local government level to enhance security and safeguard the lives and property of citizens within their jurisdictions. He urged the federal government to empower local authorities in implementing effective community policing initiatives as part of broader efforts to enhance national security.
IMAGE: The Sun
