NEWS LEVERAGE

Former Senator and human rights activist Shehu Sani has condemned the reported wage disparity between Nigerian workers and foreign expatriates on the $10 billion Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train 7 project, calling for urgent reforms to prioritize the interests of Nigerian citizens in the oil and gas sector.

In a statement on Tuesday, Sani emphasized the need for Nigerians to benefit more equitably from the country’s natural resources, warning against foreign dominance in key economic sectors.

“Nigeria’s petroleum and gas wealth must not be controlled or dominated by foreigners,” he said. “It’s unacceptable for our citizens to be paid $120 monthly wages while Koreans are reportedly paid $7,000 for the same job.”

Sani threw his support behind the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO), which recently raised concerns about labour conditions and inequity in the industry. He urged authorities and project stakeholders to address these issues without delay.

“The issues raised by the National Association of Plant Operators must be addressed,” Sani said. “The $10 billion NLNG Train 7 project should first be beneficial to Nigerians.”

Train 7, a major expansion project of the NLNG facility in Bonny Island, Rivers State, is expected to boost Nigeria’s liquefied natural gas production capacity.

The National President of NAPO, Mr. Harold Benstowe, stated that his members are the ones constructing the plant; however, it is unfortunate that after its completion, they will receive only a minimal amount.

He said: “Our members are the ones working in that train 7 project; these people that are building this plant, usually the victims. When we build, you will see people that will be employed, they will come and make a lot of money.

“What they pay us that are building that plant is not even up to $120, but the Pinos and the Koreans that are working there that are even doing the same jobs like our Nigerian operators are paid $6,000 to $7,000 a month, this is a job of $10 billion.

“We had dragged the NLNG to the National Assembly, House of Representatives, to look into this matter and ensure that this disparity is corrected, the public petition committee looked into our complaints, but our efforts at the National Assembly failed.

“For NLNG to come out and say that the job is 80% complete, that means the job is close to 90% completion, and it’s our members that are working day and night to make this possible, but they don’t get workers’ incentives.