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The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has calmed fears of an imminent fuel scarcity ahead of its planned nationwide strike set to begin on Monday (Today).
The union had earlier instructed its members across the country to down tools in protest against what it described as the mass sacking of Nigerian workers at the Dangote Refinery.
The announcement raised concerns among citizens who worried the action could disrupt petrol supply and cause queues at filling stations.
Addressing the matter on Sunday evening during an interview on Channels Television, PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo stressed that the strike would not immediately affect the availability of petrol.
“We must separate perception from reality,” Osifo explained. “For the coming days and even by next weekend, Nigerians will not need to worry about queues for PMS. The strike does not translate to an instant fuel crisis.”
He, however, confirmed that the union had already taken decisive steps to press home its demands.
According to him, gas supply to refineries and fertiliser plants had been suspended as part of the industrial action.
“Yes, we have cut off gas to those facilities,” he said. “If anyone thinks workers can be treated unfairly without consequences, we will remind them that we are the goose that lays the golden egg, and we can be tougher when pushed.”
The PENGASSAN leader maintained that the union’s fight was not only about job losses at the Dangote Refinery but also about protecting the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers in the oil and gas sector.
AFRIPOST reports that while industry stakeholders continue to monitor the situation, Osifo’s reassurance may help ease public panic over another round of fuel scarcity in the country.