Page 36 Due to the increase in the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria, which has now recorded to 46 confirmed cases, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has hinted at declaring a sit-at-home order for it members and all bodies concerned, to avoid the chances of been infected with the killer virus.
Reacting in a statement on Tuesday night, on the coronavirus attack, the National President of NUPENG, Williams Eniredonana Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, stated that it may order its members and all its affiliates to remain indoors as from Friday, if the well-being of Tanker Drivers, Marketers, Suppliers, among others, cannot be guaranteed.
NUPENG in its statement noted that its members are rendering critical services to the nation on a daily basis, in these critical times.
“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, and others, are becoming highly vulnerable to coronavirus”, NUPENG pointed out.
“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.
“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.”
The body, however, urged its members to remain good ambassadors, law-abiding and disciplined Nigerians, praying also that Health Experts will find a lasting solution to the coronavirus.
It further admonished all Stakeholders in the downstream sector of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry, to adhere to all health and safety measures provided by the World Health Organisation, WHO, and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, adding that, social distancing and personal hygiene, must not be neglected.
