The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has voiced its strong support for the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) following the union’s threat to call a nationwide strike in response to the alleged deployment of military personnel to forcibly eject workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig.
In a statement issued on Friday, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the military’s involvement in the dispute, asserting that the NLC stands “solidly behind” NUPENG. The NLC further warned that it would escalate its actions if the continued interference by military and security forces in industrial relations matters persists.
The tension arises from an ongoing industrial dispute between NUPENG and the management of the Oritsetimeyin oil rig, where workers allege that the company has failed to honor agreements that were freely negotiated between the two parties.
Earlier this week, NUPENG petitioned the Federal Government, accusing the military of unlawfully evicting its members and contractors from the oil rig. The union warned that if the government did not intervene and prevent further use of military personnel in the matter, it would initiate a nationwide strike.
Military Eviction and Growing Tensions
The situation escalated on Thursday morning, when a special naval team was reportedly deployed to the Oritsetimeyin oil rig to eject workers. NUPENG immediately responded, threatening industrial action if the Federal Government did not call the involved companies and security forces to account.
In his statement, Ajaero expressed strong disapproval of the military’s role in what he called a “disturbing” action. “This use of military personnel against workers is a direct violation of workers’ rights and a disregard for the principles of industrial relations,” Ajaero said. “The militarization of our workplaces is unacceptable, and it could have far-reaching consequences for the economy.”
The NLC also criticized the actions of Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their contractors for allegedly disregarding legally binding agreements that were reached after multiple mediatory meetings facilitated by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), with the presence of the Department of State Services (DSS). These agreements reportedly included severance benefits for workers, which have not been honored.
Ajaero called on the Nigerian military, the National Security Adviser, the DSS, and the Federal Government to intervene urgently to stop the harassment and displacement of workers, describing the situation as an industrial relations issue that does not warrant military involvement.
NLC’s Call for Intervention and Solidarity with NUPENG
The NLC reiterated its commitment to supporting NUPENG and warned that any further use of military force in workplace disputes would not be tolerated. “We cannot accept the militarization of our workplaces,” Ajaero stated. “This is not the role of the military. Their mandate is to defend the nation’s sovereignty, not to enforce corporate interests.”
The NLC also highlighted the importance of upholding workers’ rights and ensuring that industrial relations are handled through the proper legal channels, as outlined in national labor statutes. “The protection of workers’ rights and safety is our utmost priority, and we will escalate our response if these actions continue,” Ajaero concluded.
The NLC recognized the vital role of the Nigerian military in national defense but reminded them that their mandate does not extend to suppressing workers’ legitimate demands. The union called on all relevant stakeholders to address the situation before it escalates further.
This growing dispute between NUPENG and oil rig management, alongside the alleged involvement of military forces, underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding labor rights and industrial relations in Nigeria’s energy sector.
