Stakeholders Fume Over Scarcity of CNG Conversion Centres

Samuel Mobolaji

Stakeholders have frowned over scarcity of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centres across the country, despite increased awareness on the use of CNG in the country.

Participants at the unveiling of Workers Charter of Demand on Just Transition organised by Friedrich Ebert Shifting (FES) in Lagos recently, fumed at this development calling on government to partner energy stakeholders to address this issue.

The participants had earlier, though, cried against precarious workplace and called for best working conditions for workers to exhibit good governance.

In his keynote address at the event, the Consultant Converner, Good Governance Team Nigeria, Mr Tunde Salman, noted that, delay in provision of more CNG conversion centres and refilling stations for vehicles are making nonsense of the federal government gas project that would have played key role in provision of conducive atmosphere for Nigerian workers.

Noting that, the recently introduced CNG is one of the accruable benefits for good governance, he added that, there is need for urgent attention to fast track its workability.

The leaderships of National Union of Electricity Workers (NUEE), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Metallic Employees (NUCFRLANMPE), that were part of the drafting of the charter of demand, also agreed that, to achieve sustainable economy development, job security, workers must be unionised which will give them unity in purpose.

Harping on mobilising as one of conditions of good working environment, the unions reiterated their disappointment over scarcity of conversion and gas refilling centres, saying, if the project is properly consummated, it will ease the tough working environment workers are currently passing through.

In her welcome address, Mrs Remi Ihejirika, explained that, FES organised the unveiling of the workers charter in order to make Nigerian workers have more solid ground for good working tool.

At the meeting which took place in Yaba, Lagos last week, they noted that, the workers charter of demand, represents a transformation from carbon-based economic activities to low or zero carbon economy that can somehow limit the negative impacts on workers, their families and communities.

Moreover, the stakeholders laid more emphasis on social protection and welfare, the right for all workers to participate in decision-making processes, while advocating mainstream workplace gender perspectives on just transition and women economic empowerment.

It also focused on provision of career counseling and transition support services to assist workers in exploring new jobs opportunities in green sectors.