The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the deployment of military forces to displace members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) from an oil rig, calling it a serious violation of workers’ rights.
In a statement by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the Congress voiced unwavering support for the union and described the removal of NUPENG members from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig as a disturbing affront to democratic principles and industrial relations standards.
“This concerning action, reportedly driven by corporate interests, directly challenges the democratic values that protect workers’ rights and uphold negotiated agreements,” Ajaero stated.
The NLC criticised the use of military forces, calling it an abuse of state security that compromises workplace integrity. “We cannot accept the militarisation of workplaces. Such actions undermine a struggling economy by destabilising the workforce,” the statement continued.
According to the NLC, NUPENG workers were unlawfully removed after seeking enforcement of agreements negotiated with their employers. This agreement, covering severance benefits, had been settled in mediatory meetings organised by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) alongside the Department of State Services (DSS).
“It is alarming that Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their labour contractors are ignoring legally binding agreements, resorting instead to coercion with armed forces,” the NLC stated.
The Congress called on the Nigerian Military, the National Security Adviser, the DSS, and the federal government to swiftly intervene to prevent further harassment of NUPENG members and to uphold the sanctity of negotiated agreements.