Nigeria could slip into a deeper economic crisis in a few days from now unless urgent measures are taken to prevent a total shutdown of crude oil oil production by aggrieved oil workers.
This followed a directive by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to its members to suspend all oil production and maintenance services from midnight of Sunday, April 19 in protest against the continued detention of Exxon Mobil staff in Rivers State.
The union also directed that by 12 noon on Monday, April 20, members should withdraw all forms of services relating to crude oil production, refining, distribution and supplies across the country.
In a statement signed by Ndukaku Ohaeri, and Lumumba Okugbawa, president and general secretary of PENGASSAN, the union said the action became inevitable following the failure of the Federal Government to secure the release of the arrested and detained oil workers by the Rivers State government.
PENGASSAN said these directives which have been copied to relevant authorities, including the Police, DSS, NPPC and DPR would remain in force until assurances of its members’ safety are guaranteed by the Federal Government.
“We are in consultation with our units, branches and other sister unions who will also be joining the action as the safety of our members is our uttermost priority,” it said.
Source:Businessday.ng
