Obi Criticizes FG’s Silence as PENGASSAN Strike Grounds Oil, Gas Operations

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has faulted the Federal Government over what he described as its failure to act promptly on the nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

The industrial action, which began Monday after a directive from the union’s National Executive Council, disrupted operations at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Reacting in a post on X, Obi warned that the strike was worsening the suffering of Nigerians and negatively impacting the economy.

“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 said.

Obi urged the Federal Government to act decisively and swiftly to safeguard all stakeholders.

“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,” he added.

He further cautioned that labour disputes must be addressed early to prevent prolonged crises.

“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,” Obi stressed.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has moved to ease 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.

A senior government source told Vanguard on Sunday that officials are already engaging stakeholders to resolve the crisis amicably.

“Government officials aim to involve all parties in their efforts to resolve the feud,” the source said.