Workers block entrance to NNPC headquarters

Oil workers on Wednesday disrupted activities at the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in Abuja.

The workers, who are members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, NNPC headquarters branch, blocked the entrance to the corporation, stopping other employees and senior management officials from gaining entry to the premises.

Numbering about 50, the union members, who wore red attires, made sure that they delayed both the employees and guests of the corporation for some minutes by asking them questions before finally allowing them entry into the premises.When our correspondent asked the head of the group the reason for the demonstration, he said the union members were not protesting.

The official, who refused to disclose his name, stated that he would not speak with the press because the group had yet to get any official clearance from the headquarters of the union.

While making enquiries from some other senior members of the union, our correspondent observed that some of the unionists decided to stop the corporation’s Group Executive Director, Gas and Power, Dr. David Ige, from driving into the premises for some minutes.

He was, however, allowed entry after exchanging pleasantries with some of the senior members of the union, who hailed him as his driver drove him into the corporation.

Our correspondent gathered that the conflict between the union and the NNPC management had lasted for up to a week.

When contacted, the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Mr. Ohi Alegbe, stated that the situation was being handled by the corporation’s management.

“There has been series of meetings with them and it started since last week. It is as a result of some issues and we are on them. Once they are settled, I will let you know,” he said.