Moses Ofodeme
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has expressed concern over the spread of coronavirus and may issue a mandate to its members to stay at home from Friday; if the well-being of tanker drivers; marketers; as well as suppliers among others was not guaranteed.
This was contained in a statement on Tuesday, March 24 by National President; Williams Eniredonana Akporeha and also General Secretary; Afolabi Olawale.
NUPENG observed that its members were rendering critical services to the nation on a daily basis in these critical times.
It noted that the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), Petrol Station Workers (PSW), Petroleum Depots Workers, Independent Marketers Employees, Oil and Gas Suppliers (OGS), Surface Tankers Kerosene Peddlers (SUKATEP), Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers, (LPGAR) as well as others were becoming highly vulnerable to coronavirus.
“NUPENG is seriously monitoring the unfolding situation; while also putting into account the safety and welfare of these vulnerable and integral segments of our membership which are of paramount concern to us”, it read.
“In the light of the above, the Union may be forced to direct these workers to stay at home with effect from 00:00hrs on Friday 27th March 2020; this is a very difficult decision but necessary and important with respect to the safety of these set of workers.”
Urging members to remain good ambassadors; law-abiding; and also disciplined, NUPENG prayed that health experts will find a lasting solution to coronavirus.
It urged stakeholders in the downstream sector of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry to obey health and safety measures by the World Health Organization, WHO, and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC); by maintaining social distancing and excellent personal hygiene.