DPR to partner NUPENG, PENGASSAN on Covid-19 management

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has said the agency is ready to partner with some oil and gas unions towards managing Covid-19 pandemic from further spread.

The oil and gas industry regulator in a circular to all oil and gas industry operators and all industry service providers dated October 16, 2020, obtained on Saturday, said it will be partnering with the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) toward its sustenance.

”The DPR is pleased to acknowledge the superior performance of the Nigerian oil and gas industry in managing the Covid-19 pandemic in our areas of operations, which, from our records, is above global industry average.

”This relative success is the result of our collective sacrifices in implementing enhanced measures of the recent circulars issued by DPR in line with the Guidelines of World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

”By the same token, the department is continually monitoring key indices across the industry vis-à-vis national outlook and regional/ global spread of the deadly virus.

The DPR also noted that the requirements on offshore rotation cycle for maintenance of transit centers and on Covid-19 testing prior to embarkation, amongst others is still relevant.

”Other company-specific measures (not in conflict with the afore-mentioned DPR Guides) may be implemented subject to the department’s consent.

“At this juncture, it is imperative to reiterate that the collaboration of both industry unions (PENGASSAN and NUPENG) is crucial in the continued implementation of the modified rotation schedule and other measures, especially in the face of resurgence of the virus in many parts of the world,” DPR said.

The organisation, however, urged the unions to sustain the same cooperative spirit with their respective management, so that each firm should ensure work-life balance is maintained in a   conducive work-place environment.

The industry regulator also charged them to see to the timely payment of all remunerations and allowances to employees.

“None of the above measures should be an excuse for staff redundancy as we all work together through this challenging period.

“The DPR assures you of its continuous support and the implementation of measures to reduce the impact of Covid-19 on your operations,” DPR said.