FG warns NUPENG strike may cripple health sector

By Kunle Sanni –

The Federal Government has warned that the planned nationwide strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) could have devastating consequences for the country’s health sector.

Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, issued the warning on Monday while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily. He said most hospitals in the country rely heavily on fuel-powered generators and would be severely affected if fuel distribution is disrupted.

“Our hospitals are 65 to 80 per cent dependent on diesel and petrol generators,” Salako said. “A strike by NUPENG will obviously affect the health sector, and that is not what Nigerians need at this time.”

The minister appealed to all parties involved to exercise restraint and put the welfare of citizens at the centre of their negotiations.

NUPENG had on Friday announced plans to begin an indefinite strike from September 8 over alleged attempts by Dangote Refinery to prevent its compressed natural gas (CNG) tanker drivers from joining labour unions. While the Petroleum Tanker Drivers and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association dissociated themselves from the action, NUPENG reaffirmed on Sunday that the strike would go ahead.

In response, the federal government has urged the union to reconsider. Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, in a statement, appealed to NUPENG to suspend the strike and embrace dialogue.

He also urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to withdraw its “red alert” to affiliate unions for possible solidarity action.