NLC seeks FG’s intervention over alleged forceful eviction of workers at oil rig

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene to prevent further harassment and displacement of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) members from their work site on the Oritsetimeyin oil rig by the military.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the use of the army in the Oritseyemi oil rig was an abuse of the instruments of state
security as it runs counter to the dictates of workplaces being free from all forms of coercion.

He said the disturbing action, reportedly orchestrated by certain corporate interests, was a direct affront to the principles of democracy and industrial relations, which demand respect for workers’ rights and the sanctity of negotiated agreements.

While he kicked against the militarisation of workplaces, Ajaero said it was counter-productive and very capable of contaminating the nation’s workplaces, which might lead to further crippling and undermining an already troubled economy.

NUPENG had alleged that workers were subjected to unlawful eviction due to their rightful demand for the implementation of agreements reached and signed with their employers.

The agreement, according to NUPENG, included severance benefits for workers, which was established through multiple mediatory meetings convened by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in the presence of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The NLC chief said it was therefore alarming that Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their labour contractors have chosen to ignore the legally binding agreements and instead opted for intimidation and coercion through the use of the armed forces.

While urgently calling on the Federal Government to intervene, Ajaero said the matter was strictly an industrial relations issue and did not warrant the involvement of military personnel, who should focus on protecting the nation rather than being employed as enforcers for corporate agendas.

He said the realisation of the sensitive nature of the world of work makes it imperative for the nation to create special processes for handling workplace-related matters, which are encoded in their various statutes.

According to him, the tenets of the industrial relations extant statutes must be allowed full expression by all parties to avoid creating a situation of anomie that will further harm the nation’s 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.

“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 defence of our country’s sovereignty and people, not the suppression of workers’ legitimate demands,” he said.