The Federal Government has urged the
National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to reconsider its decision to commence national strike tomorrow, Monday.
Ms Patience Onuobia, Head of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, gave the charge in a statement on behalf of the Minister, Mr.Muhammad Dingyadi.
The oil workers had two days ago drew battle lines with Dangote Refinery over its alleged monopoly and anti- labour practices.
They vowed to commence strike tomorrow in order to stop the practices being perpetrated by the company.
But the Minister warned that shutting down the petroleum sector would severely cripple the Nigerian economy and worsen the hardship faced by citizens.
He added:“I have intervened in this matter and invited all parties for a conciliation meeting.”
He also implored the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to tone down its red alert directing affiliate unions to prepare for solidarity action with oil workers.
He added:“The petroleum sector is the core of our economy.Even a day’s strike will cause heavy revenue losses, running into billions, and bring untold hardship to Nigerians,” he added.
The dispute between NUPENG and the Dangote Group over unionisation rights would be resolved peacefully to avoid any disruption in the vital oil and gas industry, he promised.
