NUPENG threatens shut down of Abuja over unpaid severance benefits

The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers(NUPENG) has given the Federal Government a two- week ultimatum to compel the Asset Management Company of Nigeria(AMCON) to pay severance benefits to workers of Seawolf Nigeria Limited taken over by the agency in 2013.


Addressing reporters after its National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, NUPENG’s national president, Comrade Igwe Achese, lamented despite several entreaties and picketing, AMCON, which bought over the assets and liabilities of the company, has refused to pay the workers. 

He said AMCON instead went to court in a bid not to pay the workers, saying the staffs are suffering for no fault of theirs.

He vowed NUPENG will shut down operations within and around Abuja if AMCON fails to pay up the workers.

Achese informed tanker drivers have been directed to start wearing red cloths in readiness for the strike action, which will commence within the next two weeks.

According to him: “It is very unfortunate workers of the company have not been paid. AMCON has refused to pay these workers their terminal benefits since 2013.

“Therefore, the union in a very strong revolution is requesting the government to prevail on AMCON to pay the workers.

“The NEC in session has taken a decision that within two weeks, NUPENG will withdraw our services in Abuja and around its environment.

“It is the responsibility of government to make sure that workers in the companies that they took over are paid their terminal benefits.”