BY NKECHI NAECHE- ESEZOBOR–The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has condemned the deployment of military and security operatives to forcefully evacuate Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (NUPENG), members from their work site on the Oritsetimeyin oil rig.
The NLC disclosed this in a statement that it stands in unequivocal solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
It noted that 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.
The statement further reads that ” The use of the army in Oritseyemi 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. It is counter-productive and very capable of contaminating the nation’s workplaces which may lead to further crippling and undermining an already troubled Economy.
According to NUPENG, workers were subjected to unlawful eviction due to their rightful demand for the implementation of agreements reached and signed with their employers. This agreement, which included severance benefits for workers, 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). It is therefore alarming 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 calls on the Nigerian Military, the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Director-General of the DSS, and the Federal Government to urgently intervene to prevent further harassment and displacement of NUPENG members. 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. The realization of the sensitive nature of the world of work made it imperative for our nation to create special processes for handling workplace related matters which are encoded in our various statutes. The tenets of these Industrial relations extant statutes must be allowed full expression by all parties to avoid creating a situation of anomie that will further harm our 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 defense of our country’s sovereignty and people, not the suppression of workers’ legitimate demands.”
