The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2023 Rivers election, Tonye Cole, has expressed concern over the potential for another fuel scarcity in Nigeria, stating that the country cannot afford such a crisis. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, Cole emphasized the need for the government to intervene quickly in disputes between employers and employees to prevent disruptions that could worsen the suffering of citizens.
Cole’s comments come amid a union dispute between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Dangote Refinery. The union had suspended its nationwide strike after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dangote Refinery, which recognized employees’ right to unionize. However, NUPENG has accused Dangote Refinery of reneging on its commitments, ordering truck drivers to remove union stickers from their vehicles despite the agreement.
The MoU, signed in the presence of national executives of NUPENG, officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), stated that unionization must commence immediately and be completed within two weeks. It also ensured that no worker would be punished for joining a union and that the employer would not create a parallel union.
Cole stressed the importance of unions in a democracy, stating that they provide a necessary balance between employers, employees, and the government. He also warned against allowing a single company to dominate Nigeria’s fuel market, emphasizing that competition makes businesses stronger and benefits citizens most.
The dispute between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery began when the union alleged that the refinery was hiring new drivers on the condition that they not join the union. Dangote’s management dismissed the allegation as “cheap blackmail,” but the union has threatened to resume industrial action if the refinery does not honor its commitments.
The Federal Government has been urged to stop security agencies from being used against workers’ rights and to ensure that agreements are respected. The situation highlights the need for effective dispute resolution mechanisms to prevent disruptions to the fuel supply and protect the interests of citizens. As Nigeria continues to grapple with fuel scarcity and monopoly concerns, the government and stakeholders must work together to find solutions that benefit all parties involved.
