-By Precious Ahiakwo
Staff of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has embarked on a nationwide picket of their office over what they described as staff neglect and financial mismanagement from its employee union.
The Chairman of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPRC Rivers Chapter, Jim-Kuta Maman, who led members of the union to picket their Port Harcourt office along Moscow Road, explained to journalists that despite series of prior letters and meetings aimed at addressing these concerns, the situation has escalated.
“The union’s mandate is to work in partnership with the management to enhance the welfare of the staff and the overall growth of the organization. However, the union’s potential move towards civil disobedience indicates the staffs desperation for prompt resolution of these issues. It is a plea for the Commission’s management to respect and uphold their commitment to their workforce.
The union’s escalating discontent is a result of unresolved issues, including:
Pension Non-Remittance: The Commission’s alleged non-compliance with the Pension Reform Act (2014) deprives staff of their future financial security.
Non-conducive Work Environment: Substandard office facilities undermine staffs right to a conducive work environment, negatively affecting productivity and staff wellbeing.
Insufficient Working Tools: The lack of necessary tools compromises staffs ability to perform their duties and contradicts the Commission’s vision of being Africa’s leading regulator.
Staff Medicals: The reported inadequacy of medical facilities is a direct threat to staff health and well-being, a fundamental human right.
Outstanding Payments: The alleged partial and late payment of staff benefits and Allowances adds financial strain on the staff, especially in Nigeria’s tough economic conditions.
Unpaid Staff Claims and On-call Allowances: Delayed or non-payment for extra hours worked infringes on staffs right to fair compensation.
Non-payment of Outsourced Personnel: Neglecting outsourced staff (cleaners & drivers) salaries and benefits undermines their rights and compromises the Commission’s reputation.”
The Chairman NUPENG, NUPRC Rivers Chapter, Jim-Kuta Mamman, said this is the first time staff of the Commission is coming out publicly to demand for a better welfare and working conditions since after the separation from DPR to NUPRC.
Jim-Kuta Mamman said the staff demands are not met, the union will continue to Picket the offices nationwide untill the issues are fully resolved.
“The Union has put the Commission on notice that unless these issues are satisfactorily resolved, we will continue to air our displeasure through civil means until all the issues are resolved fully. Hence, the issues should put the NUPRC management on their toes and necessitate a swift response to address these critical concerns, upholding the Commission’s reputation and ensuring the welfare of its workforce. The spotlight is now on the NUPRC management, highlighting the urgent need for effective resolution mechanisms that respect the rights and welfare of their staff and maintain the Commission’s integrity.”
Our correspondent reports that’s the picketing continues tomorrow, as staff of the NUPRC are disallowed from entering the office premises.
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