Fuel Scarcity Averted As NUPENG Suspends Planned Strike

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has suspended its nationwide strike notice issued two weeks ago.

Naija News reports that NUPENG had announced its plan to embark on strike due to the unfair labour practices against its members by the National Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and others.

Following the expiration of the two-week ultimatum, the union extended the notice by seven days.

But in a statement on Thursday signed by its President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary of the union, Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG said it resolved to suspend the strike following an assurance from the Federal Government that its demands will be addressed.

The union, however, appreciated the management of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for taking steps to resolve the impasse, stating that an agreement has been reached on some of its demands.

It, however, promised Nigerians that there will be the availability of petroleum products nationwide during the festive season.

The statement reads: “NNPC’s management has once again proven to the union and the nation that it can be trusted in matters of ensuring decency of employment and peaceful industrial relations in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

“Some of the resolutions from these engagements include the commencement of the processes to clear all backlogs of arrears of salaries and allowances owed contract workers of Oil Mining Licence 42 before the end of December,” it said.

“The agreement and firm commitment to pay N2.13 million to each of the former employees of the big six contractors whose terminal benefits were short-paid in 2012 following the closure of the contract.”