NNPC Assures of Products Supply Nationwide
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has allayed fears of possible hiccups in petroleum products supply in parts of the country following an ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over a purported intervention by an arm of the security agencies in what the union viewed as purely labour matters involving a company and its workers in Delta State.
NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, in a statement today in Abuja, said the corporation’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru and his Management team, were engaging the parties involved, saying the parties are close to resolving the issues.
Mr. Ughamadu advised motorists and other consumers of petroleum products not to engage in panic buying as the NNPC Management was close to reaching an amicable resolution of the challenge.
NNPC assured that the corporation had adequate storage of petroleum products across the country, advising that they should not entertain any fear of petroleum shortages.
The development is sequel to the strike action purportedly announced by NUPENG.
The National leadership of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has criticised the sacking of workers by some oil and gas companies for active unionism.
NUPENG described the action as oppressive and a height of high handedness on the part of the firms.
It accused the management of Sterling Energy Exploration Company (SEEPCO) and its drilling arm, British Oil and Gas Ltd of denying workers their rights to unionise.
The union, therefore, called on the authorities and other relevant stakeholders in the sector to wade into the issue without delay to avert industrial crisis in Kwale, Warri area of Delta.
“For the records, five drilling oil rigs being operated by Sterling Energy Exploration Company (SEEPCO) and its drilling arm, British Oil and Gas Ltd in Kwale, Warri, have been in operation for several years.
“The period has witnessed continuous refusal by the management of these drilling companies to allow workers to join the union.
“Workers of these drilling rigs have overtly indicated their willingness and readiness to join the unions of their choice and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers has responded appropriately to the request.
“Unfortunately, the management of SEEPCO and its drilling arm, British Oil and Gas Ltd have resulted to high handedness and violence using military men and armed militias to forcefully evacuate over 2, 500 workers from the five drilling rigs.
“These companies are Indian operated companies and NUPENG found it grossly unfortunate and unacceptable that these companies would be using brute force to dehumanise, terrorise, and victimise Nigerians in their own country,” the union said in a statement on Wednesday signed by its President, Mr Williams Akporeha.
