The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has strongly criticised former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, over his recent comments concerning the dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Refinery.
Oshiomhole, in an interview on Arise TV last Friday, condemned PENGASSAN’s decision to embark on a nationwide strike in protest against alleged unfair treatment of Nigerian workers at the Dangote Refinery, describing the move as hasty and harmful to the economy.
Reacting in a statement jointly signed by NUPENG President Comrade Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Comrade Afolabi Olawale, the union expressed “utter disappointment” in Oshiomhole’s remarks, accusing him of betraying long-standing labour values and siding with corporate interests.
“We witness with utter disappointment a former labour leader now transformed into a vocal advocate for corporate oppression, actively campaigning against the very rights he once championed,” NUPENG stated.
The union condemned Oshiomhole’s attempt to rationalise the alleged victimisation of workers, saying his position “represents a gross misrepresentation of Nigerian labour law and International Labour Organisation conventions.”
Citing Section 31 of the Trade Unions Act (Cap T14, LFN 2004), NUPENG stressed that PENGASSAN’s solidarity action was lawful and protected, reaffirming that “an injury to one is an injury to all” remains the foundation of global trade unionism.
The dispute began after PENGASSAN protested the mass sacking of Nigerian workers at the Dangote Refinery. The strike, which led to a temporary nationwide shutdown of oil facilities, was called off after the Federal Government’s intervention resulted in a truce between both parties.
Dangote Refinery later thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other mediators for their role in resolving the crisis, describing itself as Nigeria’s largest private employer and tax contributor.
No,he is a betrayal