By Eberechi Obinagwam
The planned industrial action by Senior Oil Workers under the aegis of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has been suspended.
This is contained in a statement jointly signed by the president, Comrade Nduka Ohaeri, and general secretary, Lumumba Okungbawa.
The planned action which was scheduled to take effect by 12 noon today, was suspended after the unconditional release of detained 22 offshore oil workers through the intervention of relevant authorities.
The 22 Mobil staff were arrested and detained by the Rivers State Police Command for allegedly violating the state executive order on the prevention of movement to curtail the spread of the coronavirus in the state.
Prior to this, PENGASSAN had issued an ultimatum dated, April 18, 2020, notifying all stakeholders, and directing all members to withdraw all forms of services relating to crude oil production, refining, distribution and supplies effective 12 noon, Monday, April 2020. But, at about 9am, yesterday, 19, April 2020, their primary demand was granted.
However, the group called on federal government of Nigeria, relevant agencies, and all oil and gas Industry stakeholders to guarantee unfettered movement of oil and gas workers on essential services in all territories of the federation if they are to continue to provide their services.
Also, they called on the federal ministry of Health and Nigeria Centre of Disease Control (NCDC), to immediately provide it’s Covid -19 testing protocol to include all offshore oil workers. This they said, will prevent possible incidence of Covid 19 on oil installations with its grave consequences and eliminate the need for 14- day self – isolation before unveiling offshore with its attendant huge cost implications on organisations and psychological effect on workers.
