A looming industrial action in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has sparked concerns over workers’ rights. The National Union of Petroleum and Gas Workers (NUPENG) has announced plans to embark on an indefinite strike, starting September 8, in response to Dangote Refinery’s alleged efforts to prevent its newly hired drivers from joining established unions. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has urged the Federal Government to intervene, citing the refinery’s policy as a violation of the Nigerian Constitution, the Trade Union Act, and several international agreements.
NUPENG’s decision to strike is a direct response to Dangote Refinery’s reported plan to compel its compressed natural gas (CNG) tanker drivers to sign contracts that bar them from affiliating with labor unions. The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) have, however, declared their refusal to participate in the strike. In solidarity with NUPENG, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced plans to halt the lifting and dispensing of petroleum products for three days, starting September 9.
Falana’s statement highlights the legal implications of Dangote Refinery’s policy, which he claims breaches Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, Section 12 of the Trade Union Act, and Article 10 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act. He also notes that the policy violates several international agreements, including the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention (1948, No. 87) and the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (1949, No. 98) of the International Labour Organization.
The strike has significant implications for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, with potential disruptions to fuel supply and economic activities. The Federal Government’s response to the situation will be closely watched, as it seeks to balance the interests of workers, employers, and the wider economy. With the strike set to commence on September 8, the government’s intervention is crucial in resolving the dispute and ensuring the rights of workers are protected. The situation underscores the need for a balanced approach to labor relations, one that respects the rights of workers to unionize and bargain collectively, while also promoting the interests of employers and the economy as a whole.
