…Urges Nigerians to stockpile on fuel
Oscarline Onwuemenyi
08 December 2017, Sweetcrude, Abuja – The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has threatened to disrupt fuel supply and distribution across the nation via a strike action from Monday, December 18.
The association said it is unhappy with the Federal government for not addressing its grievances as regards unfair labour practices by the management of some indigenous oil and gas companies.
This latest development was made public in a statement by the general secretary of the association, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa.
Okugbawa stated that PENGASSAN would undertake the strike action if the federal government fails to address its grievances before December 18.
The association expressed anger over unfair labour practices and the government’s inability to tame some indigenous oil and gas companies and marginal field operators.
PENGASSAN accused Neconde Energy Ltd. (of Nestoil Group of companies) of sacking workers that joined the union and dehumanising them in total disregard of the rules of engagement.
According to Okugbawa, “The actions of companies such as Neconde in the mass sack of Nigerian workers contributes in no small measure to the unending militancy in the Niger Delta. This company has also severally boasted that no government agency can 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 organizations especially Neconde, PENGASSAN gives the federal government and its relevant agencies seven (7) days notice to embark on nationwide strike effective December 18, 2017 if she 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 has therefore advised Nigerians to show understanding and to use this window to stockpile adequate quantity of premium motor spirit (PMS) and other petroleum products
“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 upcoming festive period as this strike will be indefinite,” the statement added.
Recall that the Federal government, at the end of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting yesterday, had given the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, marching orders to make sure the lingering fuel scarcity doesn’t continue beyond the weekend.
