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Efforts to End ExxonMobil, PENGASSAN Row Hit Deadlock

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  • Efforts to End ExxonMobil, PENGASSAN Row Hit Deadlock

Oil workers under the aegis of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Mobil Producing Nigeria Branch, have been directed to withdraw their services totally from all locations after talks to resolve a dispute with a subsidiary of United States’ ExxonMobil Corporation failed on Thursday.

This is coming a week after the oil workers rejected a directive from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, that the industrial action should be suspended.

The oil workers are protesting the alleged refusal of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to honour an agreement that it will review the sacking of 83 employees in December and that none of the workers that participated in a protest that month will be sanctioned for their actions.

The Chairman, PENGASSAN and NUPENG PIB Committee, Mr. Chika Onuegbu, had earlier on Friday told our correspondent that the union and the oil major had agreed to resolve the dispute and were to sign a communiqué to that effect.Onuegbu later told our correspondent that the union had escalated its strike “with progressive shut-in of oil wells in Mobil” following the inability of both parties to agree on the communiqué.

Last week, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, after failed attempts by the government to settle the matter, referred the dispute between PENGASSAN and ExxonMobil to the Industry Arbitration Panel for resolution.

The IAP, in a letter dated May 16, 2016, a copy of which was seen by our correspondent, said its chairman had constituted a three-man tribunal to hear and determine the dispute within 21 days in compliance with Section 13 of the Trade Dispute Act Cap T8 LFN 2004, with the dispute fixed for hearing on Friday, May 19 in Abuja.

“It is hereby ordered that the parties, by the powers granted the Tribunal under Section 18(1), (2) and (3) of the TDA, be and are hereby restrained from embarking on any lock-outs and strikes pending the determination of this dispute,” the panel said.

“We refer you to ab=n earlier letter from National PENGASSAN dated May 2, 2017, directing the branch, with the full support of national secretariat, to take all necessary actions it can industrial relations wise to fully address the concerns of our members regarding the 2016 management initiated separation programme.“The struggle continues and we will stop at nothing to get our members their deserved welfare.”

Onuegbu said the union went to the panel on Friday, adding, “PENGASSAN was represented by its lawyers. But you know that PENGASSAN will go ahead with the strike.

“In as much as we respect the Industrial Arbitration Panel’s process, we recognise the fact that the strike was already on before the arbitration process commenced.”

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Guinness Nigeria Postpones Spirits Importation Exit, Extends Deal with Diageo

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Guinness Nigeria Plc has announced a delay in its plan to halt the importation of spirits as it extended its agreement with multinational alcoholic beverage company Diageo until 2025.

The decision, communicated through a corporate notice filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Tuesday, cited a longer-than-expected transition period for separating its business from Diageo’s.

Initially slated for discontinuation in April 2024, the importation of premium spirits like Johnnie Walker, Singleton, Baileys, and others under the 2016 sale and distribution agreement with Diageo will now continue for an additional year.

The extension comes as the process of business separation between Guinness Nigeria, a subsidiary of Diageo, and Diageo itself faces unexpected delays.

In October, Guinness Nigeria had announced plans to cease importing spirits from Diageo, a move aimed at reducing its foreign exchange requirements.

However, the separation process has encountered unforeseen hurdles, necessitating the extension of the importation agreement.

The notice, signed by the company’s Legal Director/Company Secretary, Abidemi Ademola, highlighted the ongoing efforts by Guinness Nigeria and Diageo to implement the separation, originally scheduled for completion by April 2024.

The extension underscores the complexity of disentangling the businesses and ensuring a smooth transition.

Guinness Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the long-term growth strategy, aligning with Diageo’s decision to establish a new, wholly-owned spirits-focused business.

Despite the delay, both companies remain dedicated to managing the importation and distribution of international premium spirits in West and Central Africa, with Nigeria as a key hub.

The postponement comes amid challenges faced by Guinness Nigeria, including significant exchange rate losses, which amounted to N49 billion in the 2023 half-year operations.

Despite these setbacks, the company remains optimistic about its future prospects in the Nigerian market.

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Private Sector Warns: Interest Rate Hike to Trigger Job Cuts and Inflation Surge

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As the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced a hike in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 22.75% to 24.75%, concerns have been raised by the private sector regarding the potential ramifications on job stability and inflationary pressures.

The move, aimed at curbing inflation and stabilizing the exchange rate, has prompted apprehension among business operators who fear adverse effects on the economy.

Representatives from the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists have voiced their worries over the increased difficulty in accessing affordable credit.

They argue that the higher interest rates will impede the private sector’s ability to borrow funds for expansion and operational activities.

This, they fear, could lead to a reduction in business investments and subsequently result in widespread job cuts across various sectors.

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) acknowledged the necessity of the interest rate hike but emphasized the potential negative consequences it may bring.

While describing it as a “price businesses would have to pay,” the LCCI highlighted the current fragility of the economy, exacerbated by various policy missteps.

They cautioned that the increased cost of borrowing could stifle entrepreneurial activities and discourage expansion plans critical for economic growth and job creation.

Experts have echoed these concerns, warning that the tightening monetary conditions could exacerbate inflationary pressures and hinder economic recovery efforts.

With inflation already soaring at 31.70%, the rate hike could further fuel price hikes, especially in essential goods and services, thus eroding the purchasing power of consumers.

However, CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso defended the decision, citing the imperative to address current inflationary pressures and ensure sustained exchange rate stability.

He emphasized the need to restore the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians and expressed confidence that the economy would stabilize by the end of the year.

Despite assurances from the CBN, stakeholders remain cautious, calling for a more nuanced approach that balances the need for price stability with the imperative of fostering economic growth and job creation.

As businesses brace for the impact of the interest rate hike, all eyes are on the evolving economic landscape and the measures taken to mitigate its effects on livelihoods and inflation.

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Breaking Barriers: Transcorp Hotels CEO Shares Journey from Crisis to Success

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Dupe Olusola

Dupe Olusola, the Managing Director/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, reflects on her remarkable journey from navigating the depths of a global pandemic to achieving unprecedented success in the hospitality industry.

Appointed in March 2020, amidst the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Olusola found herself at the helm of a company grappling with the severe economic fallout and operational challenges inflicted by the crisis.

Faced with a drop in occupancy rates from 70% to a mere 5%, Olusola and her team were confronted with the daunting task of steering Transcorp Hotels through uncharted waters.

Undeterred by the adversity, they embarked on a journey of transformation, leveraging creativity and resilience to navigate the turbulent landscape.

Implementing innovative strategies such as introducing drive-through cinemas, setting up on-site COVID-19 testing facilities, and enhancing take-away services, Transcorp Hotels adapted to meet the evolving needs of its guests and ensure continuity amidst the crisis.

Embracing disruption as a catalyst for growth, Olusola fostered a culture of collaboration and teamwork, rallying her colleagues to overcome obstacles and embrace change.

Through unwavering determination and a commitment to excellence, Transcorp Hotels emerged from the pandemic stronger than ever, breaking profit and revenue records year after year.

“It’s indeed been a great opportunity to learn and relearn, to lead and to grow. When you see success stories, remember it’s a journey with twists, turns, ups and downs but in the end, it will all be okay”, she said.

Olusola’s leadership exemplifies the power of adaptability and perseverance, inspiring her team to transcend limitations and chart a course towards unprecedented success.

As Transcorp Hotels continues to flourish under her stewardship, Olusola remains steadfast in her dedication to driving innovation, fostering growth, and breaking barriers in the hospitality industry.

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