The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has requested its members to withdraw services as tensions rise over the indefinite strike called by organized labour on Tuesday, October 3.
The union stated that it is very disturbing and unfortunate that the Federal Government of Nigeria and other tiers of government are so insensitive to the excruciating and debilitating socioeconomic pains that Nigerians are experiencing as a result of the current administration’s very harsh and sudden economic policies.
The leadership of the oil workers stated in a mobilization letter jointly signed by NUPENG President, William Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, that while they are aware of the huge impacts a 24-hour industrial action by the organized labour can have on businesses and the socio/economic lives of the nation, the government’s actions and inactions are inextricably forcing the organized labour to take this very difficult and painful route.
“Consequent upon the joint resolution of the National Executive Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress as the outcome of the joint National Executive Council meeting of the two Labour Federation, held on 25th September, 2O23, we wish to inform all our members in the formal and informal sectors of the Nigeria oil and gas industry and alert the general public that the rank and file members of our union are hereby directed to commence full mobilization and ensure an unwavering compliance with the directive of the two labour centres to all affiliate unions to embark on a nationwide industrial action from midnight of 3rd October, 2023,” it said.
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The NUPENG leadership expressed concern about the administration’s apparent disregard for the cries and yearnings of organized labor, civil society organizations, and the general public.
“lt appears the administration is arrogantly taking the good will and the tolerance level of the workers and Nigerians in general for granted. This arrogance is demonstrated clearly and loudly by the ways and manners meetings with organized labour and outcomes of such meetings are taken with levity and disrespect.
“Beyond any reasonable doubts, the government has demonstrated high insensitivity, lack of respect and regards to organized labour and the Nigerian masses.
As a result of the foregoing, NUPENG, as a responsive and responsible affiliate union of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), will fully comply with the resolution of the joint NEC meeting, and we hereby direct the leaders of our great union’s four (4) Zonal Councils to mobilize all of our members in the formal and informal sectors to shut down services effective October 3rd, 2023.
“All NUPENG members, including the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), Petrol Stations Workers (PSW), Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers (LPGAR) and all other allied workers in the value chain of petroleum products distribution must comply with this directive from midnight of Tuesday, 3rd October 2023,” it said.
NUPENG directed all of its branches and units to guarantee full compliance by establishing Compliance and Monitoring Teams in all operational locations.