The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) may call off its industrial action by Monday in the interest of the nation following the plea of the federal government and entreaties from well-meaning Nigerians. The striking oil workers have come under pressure to suspend their action which has already triggered panic buying and lack of fuel in some filling stations.

A statement issued on Friday night by the Deputy Director (Press) in the Ministry of Labour, Samuel Olowookere, on behalf of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, also called on the union to suspend the strike, stressing  that it would lead to “unwarranted hardship on the populace”.

The statement said:  “Strike neither solves industrial disputes nor contributes to industrial growth. Our economy is already reeling from severe haemorrhage occasioned by decade long mismanagement. Further action, which stunts the efforts currently being made to reverse the trend, should therefore be shunned.

“A situation where oil workers leave their offices and oil loading base will not make for an increase in oils export nor assist make available, enough petroleum products in this time of deregulation. This will only compound the vandalisation in the Niger Delta, occasioning low output and export in our OPEC quota, apart from the unwarranted hardship on the populace.

“The time therefore calls for more patriotism more so when negotiations have already been kick started with PENGASSAN and International Oil Companies on most of the areas especially the issue of cash calls and arbitrary sack of personnel.

“The Federal Government therefore urges PENGASSAN to urgently call off the strike so that all sides will freely negotiate. I am very optimistic that when we sit for negotiation on Monday, July 11, issues that have led to the situation on the ground will be resolved in the greater interest of the nation.”