NUPENG suspends planned strike

The timely intervention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group Managing Director Mallam Mele Kyari and his management team in the dispute between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and Chevron Nigeria Limited, the former has suspended its planned strike.

In a statement signed by its President and the Secretary, Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale, respectively, issued on Friday in Lagos.

The union pointed out that progress had been made, even as the discussion continued.

Recall that NUPENG had on Wednesday issued a seven-day strike notice to the Federal Government.

NUPENG wanted the President Muhammadu Buhari government to compel Chevron Nigeria Limited, to honour the agreement it reached with the union on June 20.

It said that if it failed to comply, the union would direct its members to commence the strike.

NUPENG made the demand in a statement signed by its President and General Secretary.

However, in the statement released on Friday, the union said, “Following the intervention of the Group Managing Director, NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, and his management team to avert the proposed industrial action of NUPENG over the blatant breach of agreement reached with the union by Chevron Nigeria Limited and its contractor and considering the fact that appreciable progress is being made as discussions continue, the union hereby suspends with immediate effect the planned industrial action slated for next week.

“It should be put on record that this abrupt suspension became inevitable due largely to the timely intervention of NNPC having engaged NUPENG and all concerned stakeholders at two separate meetings on Thursday 1^st and Friday 2^nd,August 2019, to correct the anomalies and ensure that the agreement is respected.

“All our members are directed to step down the red alert message, and should continue rendering their normal and lawful services to the nation.”

The union urged members of the public to avoid any panic action, as it promised normal supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country.

It added that talks were still ongoing between NUPENG and all affected stakeholders to amicably resolve the matter, putting into consideration the collateral economic damage the industrial action could possibly lead to in the country if not immediately nipped in the bud.