The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has drawn sharp reactions, with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, warning that the development is worsening hardship for Nigerians and damaging the economy.
The industrial action, which began on Monday, has crippled activities in key oil and gas institutions including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
In a post shared on X, Obi faulted the government’s slow response to the union’s grievances, saying the strike could have been prevented.
“I am worried about the lack of response by the Government to the threat and eventual commencement of a strike by PENGASSAN, which is already having a very adverse impact on Nigerian citizens and the Nigerian economy,” he wrote.
He urged the Federal Government to act swiftly and seek a solution that puts the people and the economy first.
“I strongly appeal to the Federal Government to intervene quickly to resolve this dispute in a manner that protects the interests of the Nigerian people, Nigerian workers, Nigerian investors, and the economy at large. The protection of these interests in a win-win manner is the primary responsibility of any responsible Government,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor also advised authorities to treat labour disputes with urgency to prevent escalation.
“The Federal Government must learn to nip in the bud the labour crisis that has the potential of creating further suffering for the already struggling citizens of our dear country,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has stepped in to calm tensions between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, has appealed to the union to reconsider its action in the interest of peace and stability.
Source: Vanguard News
