By Jonathan Ugbal
The industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has led to a shutdown of activities at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA office in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
Established in August 2021, by virtue of the Petroleum Industry Act, the Authority is responsible for the regulation of the midstream and downstream petroleum operations in Nigeria. These include technical, operational, and commercial activities.
And, its office along Housing Estate Road, off Ndidem Usang-Iso road (popularly known as Marian) was barricaded by PENGASSAN members who had placards with different inscriptions including one calling for the reinstatement of its members by Dangote refinery.
PENGASSAN accused the Dangote Petroleum Refinery company of massive layoffs, claiming about 800 staff were sacked for joining its ranks, a violation of Nigeria’s labor laws and the constitution. The union also claimed the number of Indians employed is thrice the number of those laid off. Last weekend, the Union directed members to cut off gas and crude oil supply to the refinery and announced a nationwide strike, which began today.
But, the refinery has refuted these claims, saying only a few members of staff were sacked due to restructuring aimed at preventing sabotage while accusing the union of serving the interests of its leaders and not Nigerians.
The Federal Government has since waded into the crisis and has commenced moves for conciliation to forestall losses in revenue and an energy crisis for the country.
Since You Are Here, Support Good JournalismCrossRiverWatch was founded on the ideals of deploying tech tools to report in an ethical manner, news, views and analysis with a narrative that ensures transparency in governance, a good society and an accountable democracy. Everyone appreciates good journalism but it costs a lot of money. Nonetheless, it cannot be sacrificed on the altar of news commercialization. Consider making a modest contribution to support CrossRiverWatch's journalism of credibility and integrity in order to ensure that all have continuous free access to our noble endeavor. CLICK HERE |
New Feature: Don't miss any of our news again.Get all our articles in your facebook chat box.Click the Facebook Messenger Icon below to subscribe now
Text Advert by CRWatch :Place Yours
Will You To Learn How To Make Millions Of Naira Making Special Creams From Your Kitchen?.Click Here
Expose Your Business And Make More Sales. Advertise On CrossRiverWatch.com Today
Leave feedback about this