A citizens-led group, Mass Action Against Economic Saboteurs, has cautioned the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers against proceeding with a threatened nationwide strike. The strike is in response to Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s plan to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks for fuel distribution, allegedly with drivers who are not union members.
According to George Priye West, president of the coalition, the union’s threat to stop fuel loading nationwide is unwarranted and could destabilize the country. West emphasized that union membership is a personal choice, citing the Supreme Court’s affirmation of this fundamental right. He stated that any industrial action on these grounds is not about labor rights, but rather an attempt to inflict suffering on ordinary citizens.
NUPENG had accused Dangote of engaging in anti-labor practices by recruiting drivers who allegedly renounce union membership. However, the group dismissed these accusations as baseless and part of a campaign to frustrate Nigeria’s most ambitious private-sector project. The Dangote Refinery is a $20 billion investment aimed at reducing the country’s fuel import dependence and creating thousands of jobs.
The group described NUPENG’s threat as insensitive, given the current economic pressures and uncertainty in the oil and gas sector. They urged the Federal Government and security agencies to take firm measures to prevent any industrial action that could disrupt petroleum product supply nationwide, treating such action as economic sabotage.
The group emphasized that it is not opposed to unionism, but rather stresses the importance of workers’ freedom to choose their associations. They called on Nigerians to remain calm and resolute, ignoring threats of scarcity and continuing their daily activities without fear. The refinery, they stated, represents Nigeria’s best chance at breaking free from decades of fuel import dependence and should be defended as a national asset.
The situation highlights the tension between labor rights and economic development in Nigeria. As the country navigates its economic challenges, the government and relevant stakeholders must balance the needs of workers with the need for economic growth and stability. The outcome of this situation will have significant implications for Nigeria’s energy sector and the country’s overall economic prospects.