FG tasks PENGASSAN on Patriotism as Strike Continues

Senator Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, on Friday, called on Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to call off the strike for the good of the country following the decision of the trade union workers to go on strike.

According to a statement signed by the Deputy Director (Press) in the ministry, Samuel Olowokore, the Minister said strikes do not solve industrial disputes neither does it contribute to the growth of the nation.

PENGASSAN had embarked on a strike action on Thursday over some unresolved industrial issues.

“Strike neither solves industrial disputes nor contributes to industrial growth. Our economy is already reeling from severe hemorrhage occasioned by decade-long mismanagement.”

“Further action, which stunts the efforts currently being made to reverse the trend, should therefore be shunned.”

“A situation where oil workers leave their offices and oil loading base will not make for an increase in oil export or assist to make available enough petroleum products in this time of deregulation.”

“This will only compound the vandalisation in the Niger Delta, occasioning low output and export in our OPEC quota, apart from the unwarranted hardship on the populace.”

“The time therefore calls for more patriotism, more so when negotiations have already been kick started with PENGASSAN and International Oil Companies (IOCs) on most of the areas, especially the issue of cash calls and arbitrary sack of personnel.”

”The Federal Government therefore urges PENGASSAN to urgently call off the strike so that all sides will freely negotiate. I am very optimistic that when we sit for negotiation on Monday, July 11, issues that have led to the situation on the ground will be resolved in the greater interest of the nation.”