Oil subsidy debt: NUPENG, PENGASSAN vow not to go on strike

The Oil workers unions have reassured the Federal government that its
members would not go on strike over the threat of Depot owners to shut
down services over issues on payment of outstanding subsidy claims.

PENGASSAN President, Francis Olabode Johnson

The Unions are the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association
of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

The unions made their stance clear in a joint statement signed by
their presidents Comrade Francis Olabode Johnson and Comrade Willians
Akporeha, in Abuja, on Saturday.

“After series of engagements with government representatives and
marketers coupled with the on-going meetings, consultations and
negotiations between the government, and oil marketers, we have been
assured by government that the first part of the debt payment will be
made not later than 14^th December.

“With this commitment and firm assurance from the government
representatives, the leadership of NUPENG and PENGASSAN have resolved to
hold down on taking any action on the issues to allow government
fulfill its pledge.

“ Our members should therefore remain calm and continue to provide their services as required always,’’ it said.

According to the statement, the unions assured its members and the
public that the decisions and action on the issues are predicated on the
overall interest of the nation, the industry as well as job security of
its members.

The unions further urged the public to refrain from panic buying or stock pilling of petroleum products.

“We firmly believe that the current engagements and discussions among
all concerned stakeholders will lead to amicable resolution of matters
at hand.

“Our resolve and decision are purely nationalistic, patriotic and in
overall interest of our great country and we plead for understanding of
the general public and all parties in this matter,’’ it said.