The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has fully supported the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in its threat to initiate a nationwide strike over the alleged use of military personnel to forcibly eject workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig.
The dispute stems from claims that the management of the oil rig, in collaboration with armed forces, breached agreements reached with NUPENG on issues like severance benefits for employees.
The labor union alleges that a special naval team was flown into the site on Thursday to evict workers, an act NUPENG deems illegal and unjust.
In response, NUPENG has vowed to mobilize its members for a national strike if the government fails to address the situation promptly.
According to a NUPENG official, “The authorities cannot be aiding employers to breach agreements freely entered into with Labour. If this continues, we will be forced to declare a nationwide strike.”
NLC President Joe Ajaero echoed these sentiments, condemning the alleged deployment of military personnel to resolve what he stressed is strictly an industrial dispute.
He emphasized that such actions undermine democratic principles and violate the sanctity of labor agreements.
“The use of armed forces to evict workers is not only counterproductive but also threatens the stability of workplaces, which could further damage an already fragile economy,” Ajaero stated.
The NLC has urged the Federal Government, along with military and security agencies, to intervene swiftly to prevent further escalation. Ajaero reiterated that the role of the military is to safeguard the nation, not to enforce corporate interests.
He added, “We stand firmly with NUPENG and will escalate our response if these unacceptable actions persist. The protection of workers’ rights and their safety remains our priority.
The call for intervention comes amid rising tensions, with NUPENG warning that continued harassment of its members could lead to widespread labor action, potentially disrupting the oil and gas sector at a critical time for the Nigerian economy.
