Oil and gas workers threatened to paralyse the economy

On 16 October 2008 Nigeria's oil and gas workers threatened to paralyse the economy if the federal government does not reverse its decision to privatize the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) and the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), which are subsidiaries of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The workers believe that the sale will damage the entire industry and gave the federal government 14 days to reverse its decision or face mass protests and demonstrations. NNPC staff in Abjua, Warri and Ibadan staged protests on 15 October against the privatization; NGC and PPMC workers in Ubeju -- which is located in Delta state -- took similar action. Although the protests were peaceful, protesters prevented management and staff from entering the company facilities by blocking the entrances. The deadline for a decision is 24 October, after which time the workers will evaluate the situation and take the necessary action.