Fuel pump
By John Egie
Unless the Federal Government quickly intervenes, the nationwide strike action declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), beginning today, will plunge the nation into darkness, lead to hike in petrol price and disrupt fuel distribution across the country.
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PENGASSAN had directed its members to halt crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Petroleum Refineries in response to the sack of 800 of its members who are staff of the company.
The union directive sent shockwaves through the energy sector and oil marketers have warned of severe disruptions in fuel distribution. The move is expected to choke the domestic market as demand will increase and consequently hike prices.
To make matters worse, power generation companies that are dependent on gas have announced a complete shutdown of all thermal plants as a direct fallout of the strike.
70 per cent of Nigeria’s power supply is from thermal stations and therefore, the development threatens to plunge the nation into darkness and a further crippling of economic activities, plunging millions of households and businesses into deeper strain.
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PENGASSAN directed its members stationed in various field locations to down tools from 6am yesterday, Sunday, September 28, and commence a round-the-clock prayer vigil.
In a strongly worded resolution signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumuba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery
of violating Nigerian Labour Law and International Labour Organisation Conventions by sacking workers for joining the union. It alleged the dismissed workers have been replaced by foreigners and insist they will not facedown until the sacked workers are Reinstated into their positions as staff of Dangote Petroleum Refineries.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi has summoned a meeting between both parties today, Monday, September 29 for discussion of the matter.
Credit:PUNCH
