The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed its full support for the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) following its threat to commence a nationwide strike over the alleged deployment of military personnel to forcibly remove workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig.
In a statement released on Friday, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the NLC condemned the involvement of the military as claimed by the oil workers and reiterated its solidarity with NUPENG.
The NLC warned it would intensify its actions if the continued violation of agreements and the use of military and other security forces to interfere in industrial relations are not addressed.
Ajaero’s statement comes amid an ongoing industrial dispute between NUPENG and the owners of the Oritsetimeyin oil rig, with the union accusing management of breaching mutually agreed upon agreements.
Earlier this week, NUPENG formally petitioned the Nigerian Government, raising concerns over the deployment of military personnel to remove its members and other workers, while highlighting the failure of the oil rig’s management to honour the agreed terms.
The situation escalated on Thursday morning, when a special naval team was reportedly sent to the oil rig to eject the workers.
Following this, NUPENG warned it would call for a nationwide strike unless the government intervenes and holds the oil rig management and security forces accountable.
Ajaero’s statement read, “The NLC stands in unequivocal solidarity with NUPENG in condemning the deployment of military and security operatives to forcibly remove NUPENG members from their work site on the Oritsetimeyin oil rig.
“This deeply concerning action, reportedly driven by certain corporate interests, is a direct affront to democratic principles and industrial relations, which demand respect for workers’ rights and the sanctity of negotiated agreements.
“The use of the army at the Oritsetimeyin oil rig constitutes an abuse of state security instruments, violating the principle of a workplace free from coercion. We cannot condone the militarisation of our workplaces.
“It is counterproductive and likely to destabilise national workplaces further, potentially crippling an already troubled economy.
“According to NUPENG, workers were unlawfully evicted merely for demanding the implementation of agreements reached and signed with their employers. This agreement, which included severance benefits for workers, was established through multiple mediatory meetings convened by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in the presence of the Department of State Services (DSS).
“It is therefore alarming that Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their labour contractors have chosen to disregard these legally binding agreements, opting instead for intimidation and coercion through the use of armed forces.
“The NLC calls on the Nigerian Military, the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Director-General of the DSS, and the Federal Government to urgently intervene to prevent further harassment and displacement of NUPENG members. This issue is strictly an industrial relations matter and does not warrant the involvement of military personnel, who should focus on defending the nation rather than being utilised as enforcers for corporate interests.
“The recognition of the sensitive nature of the working environment made it necessary for our nation to establish specialised processes for managing workplace-related matters, which are enshrined in our statutes.
“These industrial relations statutes must be fully observed by all parties to avoid creating a state of disorder that could further damage our nation’s economy.
“We reaffirm our unwavering support for NUPENG and will not hesitate to escalate our response if these unacceptable actions persist. Protecting workers’ rights and safety remains our utmost priority, and we urge the nation’s leaders to speak up immediately before the situation deteriorates further.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress acknowledges the dedication and sacrifices of the Nigerian military and security agencies in protecting our nation. However, we remind them that their mandate is the defence of our country’s sovereignty and people, not the suppression of workers’ legitimate demands.”