By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt – The Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Rivers has called on Gov. Siminalayi Fubara to build a state-owned oil refinery and railway to enhance the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.
Rivers currently generates N27 billion in internal revenue monthly.
The union’s chairman in Rivers, Ikechukwu Onyefuru, made the call during the May Day celebration in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He emphasized that a state-owned oil refinery would significantly reduce the cost of petroleum products and eliminate the frequent scarcity of products in the state.
“We are celebrating our hardworking men and women today, and to recognise the fair labour practices we enjoy under the leadership of our labour-friendly governor.
“Gov. Fubara’s love for workers and workers-oriented initiatives aligns with this year’s May Day theme, ‘People First.’
“The TUC believes that the state government should undertake strategic initiatives to boost the economy of Rivers state,” he stated.
Onyefuru said that increasing the state’s revenue would lead to improved welfare for workers and expressed the union’s willingness to collaborate with the state government on these projects.
“TUC proposes that Rivers State should obtain a refining licence from NNPCL and construct a state-owned refinery to further bolster the state government’s economic growth plansa and employment opportunities.
“We are also firm believers that establishing a rail network connecting urban and rural areas of the state will stimulate economic activities, create jobs, and enhance the state’s IGR.
“The state government should leverage the transfer of railways from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List in the 1999 Constitution to develop a state-owned rail line,” he added.
The union chairman stressed the necessity of a new national minimum wage for workers, especially given the rising cost of living in the country.
He pointed out that inflated prices of goods and services, naira devaluation and the weakening naira against foreign currencies have negatively impacted workers’ purchasing power.
“The recent hike in electricity tariff, coupled with persistent insecurity, has further worsened the challenges faced by workers, necessitating immediate government intervention.
“Therefore, the Federal Government, among other measures, approved the payment of a N35,000 wage award effective from September 2023.
“We want to inform Gov. Fubara that the socio-economic challenges we have highlighted also affect workers and the people of Rivers state,” he emphasized.
Onyefuru appealed to the governor to extend workers’ retirement service years from 35 to 40 and raise the retirement age from 60 to 65.
He further called for the adoption of CONHESS salary structure for primary health workers and the transfer of their salary payments to the State Primary Health Care Management Board.
“We urge Gov. Fubara to protect the interest of TUC members and the people of Rivers state in the ongoing divestment of International Oil Companies Joint Venture interests with NNPCL.
“Interventions are required in the areas of divestment process, ensuring business continuity post-divestment, and retenting the corporate headquarters of the ‘Buyers’ in Port Harcourt,” he Onyefuru pleaded. (NAN)
