The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has announced a shutdown of all operations, including distribution and marketing of petroleum products, effective Monday, June 3, 2024. This move is in compliance with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) directive for a nationwide strike over minimum wage negotiations.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Afolabi Olawola, NUPENG also announced the closure of filling stations from midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024. This development may lead to fuel scarcity across the country.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejoecha, has appealed to the NLC to suspend the strike, citing the potential exacerbation of economic woes and suffering for millions of Nigerians. She emphasized the government’s commitment to negotiations and highlighted proposals for a comprehensive package, including a wage increase to N60,000 for federal workers, introduction of CNG-fuelled buses, and investments in strategic sectors.
The minister warned that a new minimum wage must be carefully considered to avoid widespread job losses in the private sector, which employs the bulk of the country’s workforce.
The strike and shutdown of petroleum operations may have significant economic implications, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days.