by Niyi Jacobs
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has warned of an imminent nationwide fuel scarcity as its members prepare to stop loading petroleum products from depots starting Monday, September 8.
In a statement signed by its President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the union accused Dangote Refinery of anti-labour practices targeted at members of its Petroleum and Tanker Drivers Branch.
NUPENG expressed concern over Chairman Aliko Dangote’s stance that drivers recruited to operate the refinery’s 10,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks would not be allowed to join trade unions. The union described the position as an affront on workers’ constitutional rights and a breach of international labour laws.
“Nigeria has ratified ILO Convention No. 87 of 1948 on Freedom of Association, which guarantees workers the right to join unions of their choice,” the statement read. “Any employer seeking to deprive workers of this right is acting against the Constitution.”
The union called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority to exercise its powers under the Petroleum Industry Act to curb alleged abuse of dominant positions in the sector.
NUPENG also urged the Federal Government to intervene and compel Dangote Refinery to respect labour laws, warning that its members are “set and ready to mobilize forces” to defend their rights.
