Workers of Federal Government firm, Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) company have been thrown into apprehension following moves by the company to disengage 120 employees.
NLNG is a joint gas initiative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and oil giants – Shell, Total and Eni – which began formal operation in 1999.
It was learnt that the company’s Talent Council, made up of the Managing Director, Mr. Tony Attah; his deputy and the general managers, met on Thursday to ratify the sack list allegedly compiled by the Organisational Manager, Nath Obioha.
A source within the company revealed that, said despite the strident denial of the management of plans to sack some of the workers, the panel saddled with the task continued to meet to conclude the plans
He added that the workers are jittery as “none of us is unsure who could be affected by this exercise.”
There had been media reports that the NLNG had commenced moves to fire at least 10 per cent of its about 1,200 workers under a programme it termed ‘realignment to win’.
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The publication had stated that the workers were directed to reapply for their jobs, specifying three positions they would like to be considered for in the re-organisation, but this comes with no guarantee.
One of the staff members had wondered why NLNG would forge ahead with a plan to reduce its workforce when the gas company “remains one of the most profitable companies in Africa.”
He added, “It is indefensible on all parameters. How do you justify the sacking of workers in a company that made a profit of over $2bn in 2018? It could be justified if the company is in distress, but this is not so.
“It is just a ploy to throw over 100 people into the labour market when the nation’s economy is in such a parlous situation. And these are direct workers, not those seconded from the joint venture partners.”
While NLNG’s MD, Attah has continued to debunk the report, he failed to deny the plans to lay off some of the workers.
“He did not deny the plan to sack; he only said the exercise was to reposition the company. It beats one to hear the MD justifying such illogical move,” said of one of the workers.
“The same Nath Obioha embarked on such realignment as a Shell worker in Shell Gabon. After the realignment, Shell Gabon entered into distress and had to be sold by Shell. Is that what they want to achieve here also? Can you imagine that Obioha’s appointment did not even pass through the board?”
The source alleged that the sack letters might be distributed this week as the Talent Council had ratified the list.
“They already deliberated and approved the list. The placements have been done. The letters are ready and any moment from now, those affected will get to know when the list is released next (this) week.
“It is unfortunate that this is happening when NLNG is concluding its Final Investment Decision on its Train 7,” the source added.