Oil firms in Nigeria have sacked an estimated 3,000 workers, according to union officials in the country.
They have called on the government to file a protest with foreign oil operators.
Igwe Achese, president of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said:”The government should call the multinationals to order. They are sacking and closing shop.
“So we want government to act. That’s why we have given a 21-day ultimatum.
“We believe government would act. If they don’t, when we get to the bridge, that is at the expiration of the ultimatum, we will cross it. I don’t want to use the word ‘strike’ now.”
According to Nigeria’s Premium Times, Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Pan Ocean and Saipem were among the firms that had dismissed oil workers.
Chevron had no immediate comment, while the Premium Times said Exxon Mobil had not responded to a request for information.
Earlier this week, the Niger Delta Avengers resumed their attacks on pipelines after a ceasefire ended.