Fuel Scarcity Looms As Nigerian Petroleum Workers Shut Down Depots Monday In Line With NLC Directive
NUPENG noted that it would also shut filling stations, from midnight of Sunday, June 2, 2024.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejoecha, has begged the the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend their planned strike over minimum wage negotiations
This is just as in compliance with the Organised Labour’s decision, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Afolabi Olawola directed its members to shut down all operations including distribution and marketing of petroleum products
NUPENG noted that it would also shut filling stations, from midnight of Sunday, June 2, 2024.
The minister, Onyejoecha in a statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media, Emameh Gabriel, cautioned that declaring a strike in the middle of ongoing negotiations would exacerbate the suffering of millions of Nigerians who were already struggling to make a living from their daily endeavours.
She also said declaring a strike in the middle of negotiations would compound the economic woes, insisting it is not in the best interest of the country and its people.
Denying Labour’s allegation, the Minister noted that the government had consistently demonstrated commitment and goodwill throughout the negotiations, explaining further that the government’s proposals were carefully crafted, taking into account the country’s economic realities and incorporating innovative solutions.
She said the proposals include a comprehensive package featuring a wage increase to N60,000 for federal workers, the introduction of CNG-fuelled buses, and enhanced financial access for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs as well as the government pledged investments in strategic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, education, healthcare and many others that were already in the pipeline.
The minister warned that the government was careful about any new minimum wage, to avoid widespread job losses, particularly in the Organised Private Sector, which employs bulk of the country workforce
