Channel FAAC allocations to sustainable projects, PENGASSAN tells govs

WITH an increased Federation Account Allocation Committee ( FAAC) allocation to states since the removal of fuel subsidy, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria ( PENGASSAN) has urged that governors channel their allocation towards verifiable, visible and sustainable socio- economic projects.

PENGASSAN said projects such as affordable health care delivery, infrastructural development, quality education and enhanced security of life and properties were pertinent.

Chairman, PENGASSAN, Lagos Zone, Eyam Abeng, said this during the zone’s executive council first quarter meeting. He called on the Federal Government to fulfill its agreements with labour, especially the increment in the minimum wage, and completion of the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries, among others. Abeng, equally called on the western state governors, covering Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, Kwara, Oyo and Ondo to rapidly implement the minimum wages and ensure effective distribution of palliatives materials to the citizens.

He stated unequivocally that the value of the Naira cannot improve from its free fall unless the government takes practical steps and strong will to increase productivity, exportation and reduce importation.

One practical way towards achieving the objective, Abeng said, was by providing necessary support to Small and Medium Enterprises ( SMES), transparent provision of grants, tax holidays and improved power availability. He advised the government to input all efforts to end wanton killings and kidnapping by armed bandits and insurgents across the country.

He called on the government to invest recovered loot in developmental programmes such as power, education, health and transportation infrastructures instead of sharing it among the “supposed” poor, which could make such loot be relooted.

While he restated the association’s commitment to improving members’ welfare, he also applauded the collaboration between the management and its branches in ensuring industrial harmony and increased productivity in the industry.