The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has warned Nigeria’s labour unions to avoid actions that could impede indigenous private‑sector investment in the country’s industrial development. In a statement, ACF National Publicity Secretary Prof. T. A. Muhammad‑Baba cautioned that unions should be alert to international conspiracies seeking to sabotage Nigeria’s push for indigenous industrial growth.
The forum reminded the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) that any negotiations must prioritize the interests of all parties. While supporting the federal government’s ongoing talks to resolve the current impasse, the ACF welcomed the recent truce and called for appropriate sanctions against PENGASSAN for allegedly defying a court order. It also advocated the establishment of a commission of inquiry with judicial powers to investigate the frequent strikes by employees of key national and private institutions.
The ACF noted that it has been monitoring the challenges facing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company, a world‑class facility in Lagos State. Since its inception, the refinery—Nigeria’s largest and most modern indigenous crude‑oil processing plant—has been plagued by logistical problems, regulatory concerns, and supply issues. Specific obstacles include public regulators’ doubts about product quality, irregular crude supplies from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), and difficulties in distribution and pricing.
By highlighting these issues, the ACF emphasized that labour unions must consider the broader impact of their actions on Nigeria’s industrial development and overall economy. The forum’s call for caution and responsible negotiation comes at a critical juncture for the country’s industrial sector, which is striving to attract and retain investment to drive growth. As Nigeria confronts economic challenges, the ACF’s appeal for unions to prioritize national interests and support indigenous investment initiatives is likely to resonate with stakeholders across the sector.
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