•Peter Obi
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the ongoing nationwide strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, urging the federal government to swiftly intervene to protect citizens and the economy.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) today, Obi said the government’s slow response to the industrial action was worsening the hardship of Nigerians.
“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.
The former Anambra State governor called for immediate dialogue to resolve the dispute between the union and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, stressing that the primary duty of government was to safeguard public and economic interests.
“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,” Obi added.
He further warned that failure to address the labour crisis promptly could deepen the suffering of already struggling Nigerians.
“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 said.
It was earlier reported that PENGASSAN began its nationwide strike today to protest the dismissal of over 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, allegedly for joining the union.
The action has disrupted operations at critical oil and gas institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
Meanwhile, the federal government has appealed to PENGASSAN to suspend the strike, while the Trade Union Congress has demanded the unconditional reinstatement of the sacked workers.
The industrial dispute is already raising fears of fuel scarcity and further strain on Nigeria’s fragile economy.
