Peter Obi Slams FG Over PENGASSAN Strike Shutting Oil Operations

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government for what he described as “inaction” over the nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

The strike, which commenced on Monday, shut down operations at critical oil and gas regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

In a statement shared on his official X handle, Obi warned that the industrial action was already worsening the hardship of Nigerians while dealing a severe blow to the economy.

“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,” Obi said.

He urged the Federal Government to act decisively to resolve the dispute, stressing that the interests of citizens, workers, and investors must be protected.

“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,” he added.

The former Anambra State governor also cautioned against the government’s habit of allowing labour disputes to escalate before taking action.

“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 said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, has appealed to PENGASSAN to reconsider its stance, revealing that efforts are underway to bring all stakeholders to the negotiation table.

PUNCH