IPPIS: Fuel scarcity looms as energy workers commence strike

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has commenced an indefinite strike over disputed irregularities in the Federal Government-imposed centralised payroll system, IPPIS.
The association also hinged the mass action on the retrenchment of its workers by multinational oil corporation Baker Hughes, which laid off at least 64 workers in flagrant breach of an agreement with the union.
Having reached an impasse with government authorities upon expiration of its 7-day ultimatum, PENGASSAN general secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, in a letter issued late Sunday directed its nationwide formations to withdraw their services, effective from midnight November 8.
The letter titled ‘RE: Breach in agreement on IPPIS implementation and redundancy in Baker Hughes’ read: “We refer to the above letter dated November 2nd, 2020 where we gave 7-Days ultimatum and further extension to the relevant government agencies and institutions. Regrettably and upon expiration of the ultimatum, nothing concrete has been done with regards to the outstanding issues as enumerated in the letter.”
“In view of the above and with expiration of the ultimatum and subsequent extension, you are hereby advised to withdraw your services effective 12 midnight on Sunday November 8th 2020”, the letter seen by Peoples Gazette said.
The indefinite strike is expected to paralyse oil and gas facilities, and disrupt distribution of petroleum products across the country.
The association had frowned at the impromptu sacking of its members by Baker Hughes, despite entreaties made to the servicing company domiciled in Lagos and Port Harcourt.
The union, which comprises both upper and mid-level employees in the petroleum and gas industry had also condemned the huge deduction in the salaries of its members — supposedly engineered by the IPPIS.
“We are concerned with the ways our members in some government agencies are being treated with respect to IPPIS”, PENGASSAN National Industrial Officer Kelechi Ugwulor told the News Agency of Nigeria.
“In the month of September, our members in NNRA had huge sums of money deducted from their salaries, and we have decided that enough is enough”, Mr. Ugwulor added.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

States
Anambra to begin polio vaccination on May 3
Ms Onwuegbuzina said vaccination officers had been trained and deployed across the state for effective mobilisation and compliance.

States
NEMA cautions Lagos residents on safety amid downpour
He warned Lagos residents against taking shelter under temporary or makeshift accommodation during rainfall to avoid disaster.

NationWide
FG distributes 42,000 life jackets to 12 states to improve safety on waterways
The initiative was to promote the use of life jackets to reduce boat mishaps and promote safety on inland waterways across the country.

Africa
Nigeria deploys 35 nurses, doctors to Tanzania
Mr Yakub lauded the president for showing support in enhancing Nigeria’s foreign policy to bridge the gaps in countries in need of professionals.

Heading 1
Police accuse Sterling Bank of $122 million fraud, money laundering amid face-off with Lagos-based oil firm
A court hearing on the case is scheduled for tomorrow.

Economy
Dangote Sugar turnover rises by 51%, targets 75,000 jobs: Aliko Dangote
Mr Dangote stated that the company remained focused on its strategic initiatives during the year, despite persistent volatility and external pressures