The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr.Muhammad Dingyadi, has appealed to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to suspend its planned nationwide strike scheduled for Monday, Sept. 8.
Dingyadi made the appeal in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja and signed by Ms Patience Onuobia, Head of Press and Public Relations in the ministry.
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The Minister urged the union to reconsider its decision, warning that shutting down the petroleum sector would severely cripple the Nigerian economy and worsen the hardship faced by citizens.
“I have intervened in this matter and invited all parties for a conciliation meeting,” he said.
Dingyadi also appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to withdraw its red alert directing affiliate unions to prepare for solidarity action with petroleum workers.
“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.
He assured the public that 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.
“I plead with the unions to give peace a chance.
“This matter will be resolved amicably, to the satisfaction of all parties involved,” he added.
(NAN)