Health Minister Warns NUPENG Strike Could Cripple Hospitals

Minister of State for Health, Ishaq Salako, has raised concerns that the planned nationwide strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) could severely affect hospitals across the country, which largely depend on fuel-powered generators for electricity.

Speaking during an interview on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, Salako explained that most hospitals in Nigeria still rely on diesel and petrol generators for 65 to 80 percent of their power supply. He warned that a fuel supply disruption would have dire consequences for healthcare delivery nationwide.

The minister appealed to both NUPENG and the Dangote Group to exercise caution and prioritize the interest of ordinary Nigerians in resolving their dispute. He emphasized that any strike action would not only harm the health sector but also disrupt economic and social activities across the country.

Salako acknowledged the importance of workers’ rights to unionize while also stressing the crucial role of Dangote Industries in strengthening domestic energy capacities. He urged both sides to find a middle ground to avoid a nationwide crisis.

NUPENG had announced last Friday that its members would embark on strike from September 8, protesting alleged attempts by the Dangote Refinery to stop its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tanker drivers from joining labour Union