PeakNews Online
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has announced that it will no longer participate in any labour-related event involving Senator Adams Oshiomhole, following his recent comments on the ongoing dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Refinery.
Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North in the Senate, had during an interview on Arise TV on October 3, criticised PENGASSAN for escalating its disagreement with the Dangote Refinery into a nationwide shutdown of oil facilities, describing the action as “hasty and unfair to other workers.”
In a statement signed by its President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG expressed disappointment in Oshiomhole’s remarks, describing them as “a betrayal of labour principles.” The union consequently declared the former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president persona non grata among oil and gas workers.
“In conclusion, the leadership of NUPENG hereby declares Senator Adams Oshiomhole persona non grata within the ranks of Nigerian oil and gas workers for his undistinguished denunciation of the PENGASSAN strike against the unjustifiable sack of 800 engineers as punishment for exercising the fundamental right of unionism,” the statement read.
The union further stated that, going forward, it would not “participate in or lend legitimacy to any event featuring Senator Oshiomhole,” calling on the NLC, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and civil society groups to take note of its position.
‘A Betrayal of Labour Principles’
NUPENG accused Oshiomhole of abandoning the ideals he once defended as a labour leader and of siding with corporate interests against workers’ rights.
“We witness with utter disappointment a former labour leader now transformed into a vocal advocate for corporate oppression, actively campaigning against the very rights he once championed,” the statement said.
“His attempts to rationalise the victimisation of workers for exercising their rights of association and peaceful protest are nauseating and a gross distortion of Nigerian labour law and ILO conventions.”
‘Oshiomhole Betrayed Workers’ Interests’
The oil workers’ union also accused Oshiomhole of ignoring the plight of over 800 workers allegedly sacked by the Dangote Refinery, while criticising PENGASSAN’s industrial action.
“Adams Oshiomhole’s criticism of PENGASSAN’s strike is an act of profound historical revisionism and political amnesia,” the union said.
Citing Section 31 of the Trade Unions Act, Cap T14, LFN 2004, NUPENG stressed that solidarity strikes are legally recognised under Nigerian law.
“PENGASSAN’s solidarity action with their members in Dangote Refinery is a protected legal action. The principle that ‘an injury to one is an injury to all’ remains the foundation of global trade unionism,” the statement added.
NUPENG said Oshiomhole’s argument that the strike could harm the economy mirrors the rhetoric used by “anti-labour entities” he once opposed.
“NUPENG stands unwaveringly with PENGASSAN and the over 800 unjustly dismissed workers. We will continue to deploy every legal and industrial instrument available to secure justice, in full compliance with Nigerian law and global labour standards,” the union said.
