Bonny Island is part of Nigeria where many Nigerians know nothing about. Yet, it is home to Nigeria's only Liquified Natural Gas plant that is an employer of over 100,000 individuals. Majority of whom are contractor staff that do virtually 80% of the work and takes home 20% of the total income. Salaries differ across the departments but the base line remains that, the disparity between the Direct staff and Contractor staff is so huge it can literally sink a cargo ship.

Recently, the 'LOWEST BIDDER' menace is driving the average salary of contractor workers down while that of direct staff keeps going high. Yet, most of them possess lesser academic qualifications and career exposure. To crown it all, they even do less of the work and most departments make sure that no contractor staff is converted to direct staff. Employment into the company is even a harder task especially for those without a VOICE FROM THE TOP.

It is heartbreaking and really needs the opinion of all on how to address the menace, improve work security and life of contractor workers. Recently, a boat mishap claimed the lives of many. Another risk of living on the island. Yet, direct staff get free access to a safe ferry. Everyone cannot be a direct staff but I believe a better working condition can help many contractor staff in the Oil & Gas sector especially NLNG Bonny. How to address this problem is what I do not know.