Due to the increase in the global pandemic in Nigeria which has now record to 44 confirmed cases, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has hinted on declaring a sit-at-home order on it members and all bodies concerned to avoid 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 said that it may order its members and all its affiliates remain indoor 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 were 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 were 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 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 Organization, WHO, and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, adding that social distancing and personal hygiene must not be neglected.
