Bleak Christmas as oil workers threaten strike Dec 18; advise Nigerians to stockpile products

Nigerians may be in for a challenging yuletide as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the federal government to address alleged injustice existing in companies in the oil and gas sector or face a nationwide strike from December 18.

Lumumba Okugbawa, General Secretary, PENGASSAN, issued the ultimatum in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

He warned that failure to address the issues raised could trigger the shutdown of all oil and gas installations, including disruptions to fuel supply and distribution across the country.

The union accused some indigenous oil and gas companies and marginal field operators of unfair labour practices but only disclosed the name of one company in its statement.

PENGASSAN detailed the injustice faced by its members, saying,“Those that are threatened and compelled to disown the union are then treated as slave workers within their own country.

“The case of Neconde Energy Ltd (of Nestoil Group of companies) is particularly worrisome as the issue of dignity in labour and infringement on workers’ rights to Freedom of Association is foreign to them.

“This has led to mass sack of workers that joined the union and dehumanisation of some in total disregard to rule of engagement and the laws of the land.

“The actions of companies such as Neconde in mass sack of Nigerian workers contribute in no small measure to the unending militancy in the Niger Delta.’’

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He said Neconde had not only acted as being above the provisions of relevant laws and regulations guiding the operations of oil and gas companies in Nigeria, but also boasted that no government agency could call it to order.

“Having explored all options without getting the necessary understanding, and an apparent failure of relevant authorities of government to call to order these recalcitrant organisations especially Neconde, we are giving the federal government and its relevant agencies seven-days’ notice to embark on nationwide strike effective December 18.

“If government fails to direct the management of Neconde and other companies to recall our sacked members, as the only option to address this injustice and lawlessness.

“PENGASSAN appeals to all Nigerians to show understanding and to use this window to stockpile adequate quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and other petroleum products that will last them during the period as this strike will be indefinite.’’

PENGASSAN appealed to all Nigerians to show understanding and to use the window of the notice to stockpile petroleum products that would last them through the Christmas season as the strike would be indefinite.

But Nigerians may wonder how possible it will be to heed PENGASSAN’s advice as they are currently battling severe fuel scarcity.

 

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