Though clear indications across the country suggest that fuel scarcity is easing with speed, the country may likely face another round of fuel crisis next week.
This stemmed from leading oil workers’ group, PENGASSAN who had last week, issued seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government that it would shut down all oil and gas installations, including disruptions to fuel supply and distribution across the country effective December 18, 2017.
The union’s anger is traced to some indigenous oil and gas companies and marginal field operators who display unfair labour practices.
PENGASSAN said one of the resolutions in the communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting of October 13, 2017 held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, was the condemnation of indigenous oil and gas companies and marginal field operators.
The group also noted that oil companies were condemned because of “their anti-labour posture and practices, including the termination of the employment of any worker who has indicated willingness to belong to the union.
“Those who are threatened and compelled to disown the union are then treated as slave workers within their own country,” the union added.
However, PENGASSAN failed to say when the termination of employment was carried out and how many workers were laid off.
This comes after it also noted that it had explored all options without getting the necessary understanding, adding that relevant authorities of government had failed to caution the recalcitrant organisations, especially Neconde.
But to drive home its target, it said it would embark on the nationwide strike on December 18 if the Federal Government failed to direct the companies to “recall our sacked members as the only option to address this injustice and lawlessness.”
