Protesting: Nigerian unions take to the streets
Nigerian unions take to the streets
Nigerian oil unions held a rally in the capital Abuja today ahead of a meeting with government officials to try to avert a workers strike over security in the oil-producing Niger Delta, union leaders said.
Leaders of the white-collar union Pengassan and its sister junior staff group Nupeng also held discussions with senior lawmakers ahead of the meeting with government.
The two oil unions have threatened to launch a three-day warning strike from Tuesday if the government fails to take steps to improve security in the volatile Niger Delta, which accounts for nearly all of Nigeria's oil production.
"We held the rally to create awareness and sensitise the public about the issues involved,” Pengassan secretary Bayo Olowoshile told Reuters.
“We also met with the Speaker of the House of Representatives to intimate lawmakers with our grievances."
The unions have threatened to strike several times in the past over insecurity in the delta, but have failed to follow through on their threats after government intervention.
The unions are demanding the government work for the release of all kidnapped workers in the southern delta, boost security and intelligence in the region and begin meaningful peace talks.