The Minister of State for Health, Ishaq Salako, has issued a stark warning that a proposed nationwide strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) would have a severe and direct impact on healthcare delivery across the country.
The minister explained that this is due to the heavy reliance of medical facilities on fuel-powered generators for electricity.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’, Salako revealed that an overwhelming majority of the nation’s hospitals, between 65% and 80%, are dependent on diesel and petrol generators to power their life-saving equipment and maintain operations.
Consequently, any disruption to the fuel supply chain caused by an industrial action would cripple their ability to function, jeopardising patient care and critical medical services.
While acknowledging the rights of workers to unionise and the significant economic role played by the Dangote Refinery, the minister made a passionate appeal for restraint.
He urged both NUPENG and the refinery management to prioritise the welfare of ordinary citizens in their negotiations and to find a balanced resolution that prevents a shutdown.
Salako emphasised that a strike would disrupt not only the health sector but also a wide range of economic and social activities, and he expressed a strong desire for both parties to reach an agreement that averts the planned industrial action, scheduled to commence on September 8. The dispute stems from allegations that the Dangote Refinery is attempting to prevent its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tanker drivers from joining labour unions.
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cc: Daily Post NG
