The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has assured Nigerians that its planned nationwide strike, set to commence on Monday, will not affect the availability of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).
PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, made this known on Sunday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today in Abuja.
He clarified that despite the union’s decision to go on strike over the alleged dismissal of 800 workers by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, there would be no fuel scarcity at retail outlets.
“There will be no interruption in petrol supply due to our strike on Monday. We have over 30 days’ worth of fuel stock. If any shortage occurs, Dangote Refinery should be held responsible, not us—our members are not in charge of fuel tanker distribution,” Osifo stated.
Osifo accused the refinery’s chairman, Aliko Dangote, of destabilizing the economy by unlawfully laying off workers, adding that he must be held accountable for the emerging crisis.
“Dangote and his associates are sabotaging the Nigerian economy. He is the biggest saboteur and must answer for his actions. If he reinstates the sacked workers today, the situation will normalize immediately,” Osifo asserted.
He further explained that while the union had instructed its members to halt services to the Dangote refinery and withdraw from critical operations, other supply routes would remain operational to avoid causing unnecessary hardship for Nigerians.
