ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria is on the brink of another wave of fuel scarcity as the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has vowed to support the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, in its threat of a nationwide strike.
The strike warning comes in response to an alleged military intervention to forcefully remove oil workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig, which has sparked an uproar within the country’s labour unions.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, in a statement on Friday, November 8, 2024, condemned the reported military involvement as a “breach of labour rights” and a violation of the principles of industrial relations.
“The NLC is in total solidarity with NUPENG,” he said, adding that the union would escalate its response if similar actions are repeated.
Ajaero’s remarks reflect deep concerns about militarisation in industrial matters, which he argued could damage Nigeria’s already fragile economy and undermine workers’ rights.
Background of the Dispute
The current conflict originated from a longstanding industrial dispute between NUPENG and the rig’s management, who allegedly failed to honour contractual agreements related to severance benefits for workers.
NUPENG has sharply criticised the oil companies involved—Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their labour contractors—accusing them of ignoring legally binding agreements and employing intimidation tactics.
Earlier this week, NUPENG formally petitioned the Federal Government to intervene in the matter, warning of possible nationwide disruption if their concerns were not addressed.
Despite this petition, reports emerged that a special naval unit was deployed to the Oritsetimeyin rig on Thursday to remove the protesting workers, a move NUPENG has called “unlawful and provocative.”
Labour Unions Condemn Military Intervention
In his statement, Ajaero criticised the military’s presence on the oil rig, arguing that it could lead to severe repercussions for the nation’s economy.
“We cannot accept the militarisation of our workplaces,” he declared, calling on the Nigerian military, the National Security Adviser, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to uphold labour laws and refrain from further harassment of union members.
The NLC emphasised that the dispute is a strictly industrial relations matter and should remain outside the military’s domain.
Ajaero urged the government to respect the rights of workers to engage in fair negotiations, free from coercion or interference.
“This matter is strictly an industrial relations issue,” he reiterated, calling for a peaceful resolution through dialogue rather than force.
Potential Impact on Fuel Supply
As NUPENG’s strike threat looms, Nigeria faces the risk of widespread fuel scarcity, which could severely impact businesses, transportation, and daily life across the country.
The threat of a nationwide strike has already raised concerns among businesses and commuters, who fear that prolonged disruptions in fuel supply may lead to price hikes and shortages at the pump.
Nigeria’s dependence on fuel imports for domestic consumption, coupled with previous instances of fuel scarcity, has often placed the country’s economy at the mercy of supply chains and labour unrest within the oil and gas sector.
A nationwide strike by NUPENG, in coordination with the NLC, could further exacerbate an already challenging situation, with potentially crippling effects on economic stability.
Call for Government Action
Labour leaders have urged the Nigerian government to mediate swiftly to prevent a prolonged standoff.
“We are calling on the government to urgently intervene and ensure that due process is followed,” Ajaero said, highlighting the importance of keeping industrial disputes out of the military’s jurisdiction.
The NLC’s stance, echoed by other labour groups, stresses the need for lawful negotiation practices and a commitment to peaceful dispute resolution.
Observers suggest that a prompt response from the government could avert a national crisis, given the essential role that petroleum plays in Nigeria’s economy.
As Nigeria braces for a potential fuel scarcity, labour unions remain firm in their demands for transparency and fairness.
