Coalition voices support for Dangote Refinery, calls for investigation into labour dispute

A coalition of civil society organizations has expressed support for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery amid an ongoing dispute with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). The group has raised concerns about alleged pressure on refinery workers to join the union and has called for a federal investigation into the matter.

At a press conference in Abuja, the coalition, which includes the Civil Rights Defenders Advocates, Citizens for Economic Justice, Nigeria Freedom Network, and eight other organizations, stated its commitment to defending the rights of workers to freely associate—or not associate—with any labor union, as protected under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Convener Dr. Agabi Emmanuel said that reports of pressure on workers, including truck drivers, to join the union under the threat of operational disruptions were troubling and warranted closer scrutiny. He emphasized the importance of upholding the legal principle of voluntary union membership and warned against any actions that may undermine workers’ constitutional rights.

The coalition further alleged that some union activities, such as restricting access to loading facilities and sealing trucks operated by non-union members, may contravene provisions of the Trade Unions Act and Trade Disputes Act.

Praising the Dangote Refinery’s adherence to voluntary labor practices and its commitment to workplace safety, the coalition called for all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and industrial harmony. It also encouraged the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the broader context of the dispute, including any potential external influences.

Dr. Emmanuel stated that the coalition would consider legal action should any entity, public or private, be found violating workers’ rights.

In closing, the coalition appealed to the Federal Government, civil society actors, and international labor organizations to ensure that workers’ rights are respected and that peaceful labor relations are maintained in the nation’s critical energy sector.