 backs the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG)){kind=link}
A national strike may be imminent as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) backs the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in its threat to halt operations nationwide.
The dispute centres around the alleged misuse of military personnel to remove workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig.
NLC has condemned what it calls a breach of agreements and the use of security forces to disrupt industrial matters.
Tensions have risen from a long-standing disagreement between the rig owners and NUPENG over unmet contractual commitments.
Earlier in the week, NUPENG alerted the Federal Government and security agencies about the consequences of employing military personnel to eject workers.
However, on Thursday, naval officers allegedly arrived at the rig to forcefully remove workers.
In response, NUPENG warned it would initiate a nationwide strike unless the government intervenes to stop the rig management and security forces involved.
A NUPENG representative stated, “We are already preparing our members for a strike. Authorities cannot support employers breaching agreements with Labor. Immediate action is needed, or a national strike will follow.”
Expressing solidarity, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the use of armed forces to address labour disputes, calling it a violation of democratic and industrial principles.
He noted that workers were evicted simply for demanding adherence to an agreement that included severance benefits—reached with oversight from the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and the Department of State Services.
The NLC urged the Nigerian military, the National Security Adviser, the DSS, and the Federal Government to halt further intimidation of workers, stressing that such matters should not involve military personnel.
The NLC reiterated its support for NUPENG and vowed to escalate its response if the actions persist, highlighting that workers’ rights and safety are its top priorities.