The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) voiced its support for the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) amid escalating tensions over an alleged military intervention to forcibly remove oil workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig.
In a statement issued Friday, NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed solidarity with NUPENG, condemning the alleged military actions and vowing to escalate the NLC’s response if such interventions persist.
This dispute originates from ongoing conflicts between NUPENG and the management of the Oritsetimeyin rig regarding the alleged breach of agreements previously established between the two parties.
Earlier in the week, NUPENG filed a petition with the Federal Government, warning of potential consequences if military personnel continued to intervene in industrial matters by forcibly ejecting its members and disregarding the agreements.
On Thursday morning, military personnel allegedly arrived at the rig, resulting in the worker’s removal.
In response, NUPENG issued an ultimatum, threatening a nationwide strike if the government failed to hold both the oil rig’s management and the security personnel accountable.
Ajaero’s statement read: “NLC stands in unequivocal solidarity with NUPENG in condemning the deployment of military and security operatives to forcefully evacuate NUPENG members from their work site on the Oritsetimeyin oil rig.
This disturbing action, reportedly orchestrated by certain corporate interests, is a direct affront to the principles of democracy and industrial relations, which demand respect for workers’ rights and the sanctity of negotiated agreements.”
He further criticized the use of military forces, describing it as an abuse of state security instruments.
“The use of the army in Oritsetimeyin oil rig is an abuse of the instruments of state security as it runs counter to the dictates of unfettered workplaces free from all forms of coercion.
It should be noted that we cannot accept the militarization of our workplaces.”
According to NUPENG, workers were evicted unlawfully after demanding adherence to agreed severance benefits negotiated with their employers.
These agreements were facilitated through multiple mediatory meetings by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), with the Department of State Services (DSS) present.
“It is therefore alarming,” Ajaero noted, “that Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their labor contractors have chosen to ignore these legally binding agreements and instead opt for intimidation and coercion through the use of armed forces.”
The NLC appealed to the Nigerian Military, National Security Adviser (NSA), the Director-General of the DSS, and the Federal Government to address the situation urgently, arguing that such matters should be resolved through industrial relations channels rather than military involvement.
“This matter is strictly an industrial relations issue and does not warrant the involvement of military personnel, who should focus on protecting the nation rather than being employed as enforcers for corporate agendas,” he added.
Ajaero reiterated NLC’s commitment to protecting worker’s rights and expressed concern over the impact of the conflict on the economy.
“We reiterate our unwavering support for NUPENG and will not hesitate to escalate our response should these unacceptable actions continue.
The protection of workers’ rights and their safety remains our utmost priority, and we call on the nation’s gatekeepers to immediately speak up before the situation degenerates,” Ajaero stated.
The NLC also acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian military in safeguarding the nation, while urging restraint in their involvement in civilian labor disputes: “The Nigeria Labour Congress acknowledges the dedication and sacrifices of the Nigerian military and security agencies in safeguarding our nation.
However, we remind them that their mandate is the defense of our country’s sovereignty and people, not the suppression of worker’s legitimate demands.”
The NLC emphasized that adherence to established industrial relations laws is critical to preventing further economic harm.
