The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr Emeka Wogu, has appealed to the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to call-off its ongoing strike in the FCT and seek dialogue.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Samuel Olowookere, the Assistant Director of Press in the Ministry, yesterday in Abuja.

The release stated that the minister on Friday met with the representatives of NUPENG and other stakeholders in the industry, including representatives of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and officials of NNPC.

It quoted Wogu as urging the trade union to call of the strike and continue to engage in dialogue with government on matters affecting it.

"Although the issues about the strike were unresolved, the channels of communication between the organisation and the government can be addressed through dialogue.

"As Nigerians prepare to celebrate the Sallah, it is important for us to avoid creating any situation of distress such as strikes or withdrawal of services of any kind.

"Government is always open to negotiations on the points in this dispute, and to find amicable resolution, NUPENG also has a duty to the public." Wogu, therefore, appealed to the union to consider the larger interest of the Nigerian citizens by calling off its strike action.

(NAN)