Strike:  Fuel Scarcity Looms As Nigerian Petroleum Workers Close Depots, Filling Stations on Monday 

Nkeiruka Onyejoecha, the minister of state for labor and employment, has pleaded with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to call off their impending walkout over minimum wage discussions.

 The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, or NUPENG, also issued a directive in a statement signed by Afolabi Olawola, its general secretary, instructing its members to cease all operations, including the marketing and distribution of petroleum products, in accordance with the decision made by organized labor.

 NUPENG said that, starting at midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024, it would likewise close filling stations.

The minister, Onyejoecha in a statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media, Emameh Gabriel, cautioned that declaring a strike in the middle of ongoing negotiations would exacerbate the suffering of millions of Nigerians who were already struggling to make a living from their daily endeavours.

She also said declaring a strike in the middle of negotiations would compound the economic woes, insisting it is not in the best interest of the country and its people.

Denying Labour’s allegation, the Minister noted that the government had consistently demonstrated commitment and goodwill throughout the negotiations, explaining further that the government’s proposals were carefully crafted, taking into account the country’s economic realities and incorporating innovative solutions.

She said the proposals include a comprehensive package featuring a wage increase to N60,000 for federal workers, the introduction of CNG-fuelled buses, and enhanced financial access for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs as well as the government pledged investments in strategic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, education, healthcare and many others that were already in the pipeline.

The minister warned that the government was careful about any new minimum wage, to avoid widespread job losses, particularly in the Organised Private Sector, which employs bulk of the country workforce.