Former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Gaius Obaseki, has advised that unionisim in Nigeria must move away from using strike and protests as means of solving industry problems.
He gave the advice at the First Triennial Delegate Conference of the NNPC Retail, a subsidiary of the NNPC in Abuja, on Tuesday.
The theme of the conference is: ‘NNPC Retail: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’.
” Unionism in Nigeria must move away from strike and protests to developmental focus.
” They should be more developmental in fighting for their rights because you are part of government.
“My heart was gladdened when I was called to chair this occasion with the topic of the conference because it will steer development,” he said.
Obaseki said that Nigeria was endowed with huge petroleum resources, but anchoring on it for development remained a crucial challenge.
He said that it was time for the NNPC Retail to strive to be self sufficient as an entity that had existed for 31 years.
” Today, I am delighted by the strides the company has made over time.
” According to data available to me, NNPC Retail now boasts of 37mega stations, 12 Floating Mega Stations across the country and holding a market share of 14 per cent and also posting a net surplus of about N197 billion in 2016.
“As the founding father of the company, words cannot express my joy in respect of the progress the company is making,” he said
He commended the effort of Dr Maikanti Baru, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, for support and encouragement to the company.
This, he said, would help the NNPC Retail to surpass the 30 per cent market share of sale of petroleum products target by 2020.
He further urged the union leadership in the company to ensure discipline and work in harmony with their management.
In his remarks, Baru said that all efforts were being made to ensure total reform of the Corporation and all its subsidiaries.
He said that the 2019 budget of the corporation would accommodate the expansion of the NNPC Retail to enable it pursue its programs.
” The 30 per cent market share target must be achieved. What I expect is for you to do better than that.
“I will support every effort to make you run effectively, no tolerance to any form of sharp practices.
“Retail business is a big business, customer satisfaction should be very high,” he said.
He commended Dr Obaseki for his support and readiness to share experience to drive the growth of the sector.
Also, PENGASSAN President, Mr Olabode Johnson, assured of the support of the Union to ensure growth of the company.
He said that the major objective of the association remained protecting jobs and improving members’ welfare in the oil and gas Industry.
” We will enjoin our members to remain dedicated to their duties and ensure that they are productive in their respective roles in the company,” he said.
He reassured that the Union would support all efforts for the company to achieve the 30 per cent market share by 2020.
NAN
