The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has condemned recent remarks by Senator Adams Oshiomhole on national television, describing them as a distortion of labour laws and an attack on workers’ fundamental rights.
The criticism was contained in a statement jointly signed by NUPENG President, Mr. Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Mr. Afolabi Olawale, on Monday in Abuja.
The union accused Oshiomhole, a former labour leader and past President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), of “turning into an advocate of corporate oppression” by siding with employers against workers’ rights to freedom of association and peaceful protest.
Citing Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 9(6) of the Labour Act, and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, NUPENG reaffirmed that Nigerian workers are legally entitled to unionise without interference.
The union described Oshiomhole’s call for a moratorium on unionisation as “absurd and archaic,” stressing that such a proposal has no basis in Nigerian labour law or international labour standards.
NUPENG further pointed out that solidarity actions, such as the ongoing strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in support of sacked workers at the Dangote Refinery, are recognised under the Trade Unions Act.
“Oshiomhole’s comments amount to historical revisionism and political amnesia,” the union stated, recalling that he once led nationwide strikes as NLC president based on the same principles he now criticises.
“By denouncing the PENGASSAN strike and justifying the dismissal of over 800 engineers for unionising, Oshiomhole has betrayed the working class,” it added.
Declaring the senator “persona non grata” among oil and gas workers, NUPENG vowed not to attend any event featuring him and urged the NLC, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and civil society groups to take note.
The union reiterated its commitment to defending workers’ rights through lawful and industrial means, insisting that Oshiomhole has lost the moral authority to comment on labour matters.
NUPENG also reaffirmed its solidarity with PENGASSAN and pledged continued support for the reinstatement of the dismissed workers.
