Obi Decries Govt Inaction as PENGASSAN Strike Hurts Nigerians, Economy

Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has expressed deep concern over the Federal Government’s response to the industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which is already impacting citizens and the economy.

In a post on X, Obi voiced his frustration with what he described as government inaction in the face of the labour dispute.

News.ng recalls that PENGASSAN, in a statement on Sunday, ordered its members to embark on a nationwide strike following the alleged dismissal of some of its members at the Dangote Refinery.

“I am worried about the lack of response by the Government to the threat and eventual commencement of a strike by PENGASSAN, which is already having a very adverse impact on Nigerian citizens and the Nigerian economy,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor issued an urgent appeal for immediate intervention, calling on authorities to find a balanced solution to the crisis.

“I strongly appeal to the Federal Government to intervene quickly to resolve this dispute in a manner that protects the interests of the Nigerian people, Nigerian workers, Nigerian investors and the economy at large,” he stated, adding that “the protection of these interests in a win-win manner is the primary responsibility of any responsible Government.”

Obi also criticised the government’s broader approach to labour relations, suggesting that preventive action is needed to avoid recurring crises.

“The Federal Government must learn to nip in the bud the labour crisis that has the potential of creating further suffering for the already struggling citizens of our dear country,” he concluded.

The PENGASSAN strike adds to mounting economic challenges facing Nigeria, with citizens already grappling with various hardships. The government has yet to issue an official response to Obi’s statement or announce concrete measures to resolve the dispute.