The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has requested the Federal Government to intervene and prevent the Navy from demolishing refining sites labeled as ‘illegal’ in the Niger Delta.
The President of NULGE, Ambali Olatunji, issued this plea during a press conference held in Abuja to conclude the National Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.
Olatunji emphasized that NULGE’s stance is that President Bola Tinubu should intervene and urge the Nigerian Navy to cease the destruction of refining sites in the Niger Delta region.
“Destroying those sites has no benefits whatsoever for the country’s oil and gas sector as well as for Nigerians at large. Instead of destroying those refining sites, they should be licensed properly and mandated to pay taxes. This will create job opportunities and be sources of revenue earnings,” he said.
Olatunji also called on the Federal Government to consider licensing more modular refineries that have the capacity to refine crude oil.
“If the multinationals are leaving the country, we should encourage individuals that are willing and capable to do it in Nigeria. If we can work on those areas, coupled with minimum wage, the effects of fuel subsidy removal will go down,” he said.
The NULGE President additionally urged the President and the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage to reach a consensus on an acceptable salary for workers.
Regarding security matters, he appealed to the Federal Government to empower local governments to implement community policing, ensuring the protection of lives and property within their jurisdiction.