There are many reasons the Petroleum Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has chosen to embark on a 30-day strike.
But, it is first important to note that the irregularities in the oil and gas sector triggered the consideration for industrial action.
Already, PENGASSAN warned the Federal Government that it would suspend the services they offer and withdraw its members effective from the time of the strike.
The association intends to shut down operations if the government fails to address the criminal activities of crude oil thieves and pipeline vandals, particularly in the Niger Delta area.
Over the years, the rate at which multi-million-dollar companies associated with senior staff members have suffered numerous blows from oil-theft masterminds.
Reports evidently revealed how oil & gas-related companies packed up after encountering harassment from pirates in the region.
Similarly, nuisance groups in the Niger Delta region that do not have any pact with the state or federal government, or militants with expired deals/contracts with the authorities, have contributed immensely to the relocation of huge oil firms to neighbouring African countries to secure their investments.
Such frustrating actions from the terrorising groups have led to job losses, companies shut down, starvation and other related consequences.
In the same vein, the region hardly gets any foreign investments as prospective investors have taken their firms and finance elsewhere to prosper. Their local counterparts are also scared of abduction and would prefer an investment-conducive environment where there are lesser or no security challenges.
On another part, it is noteworthy to mention that Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU strike is still ongoing and yet to have a resolve on the part of Federal Government and the union.