The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which on Monday paralysed activities in key oil and gas regulatory institutions. The strike, which began after a weekend directive by the union’s National Executive Council, shut down 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 via his X page, Obi blasted the government’s handling of the situation, warning that the industrial action is already worsening the plight of innocent Nigerians.
Insisting that the strike is hurting the economy, the Labour Party member disclosed that the lack of response from the FG will go a long way towards making life harder for the people.
“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.
I strongly appeal to the Federal Government to intervene,” he wrote.
Obi further urged the Federal Government to act quickly, stressing that the crisis must be resolved in a way that protects the interests of all stakeholders.
He concluded by warning that labour disputes should be addressed early to avoid prolonged crises.
“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.
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,” he added.
