The Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene to prevent further harassment and displacement of members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) from their workplace on the oil rig of Oritsetimeyin by the army.

NLC Chairman Joe Ajaero said the use of the military on the Oritseyemi oil platform was an abuse of the instruments of the State.
security, as it goes against the dictates that workplaces be free from all forms of coercion.

He said the disruptive action, allegedly orchestrated by certain corporate interests, was a direct affront to the principles of democracy and labor relations, which demand respect for workers’ rights and the sanctity of negotiated agreements.

While lambasting the militarization of workplaces, Ajaero said it was counterproductive and highly capable of contaminating the country’s workplaces, which could lead to further crippling and undermining an already troubled economy.

NUPENG had alleged that the workers were subjected to illegal evictions due to their legitimate demand that agreements reached and signed with their employers be implemented.

The agreement, according to NUPENG, included severance pay for workers, which was established through multiple mediation meetings convened by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in the presence of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The NLC boss said it was therefore alarming that Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services and their labor contractors had chosen to ignore legally binding agreements and instead opted for intimidation and coercion through the use of force. armed.

While urgently calling on the federal government to intervene, Ajaero said the matter was strictly a labor relations issue and did not justify the involvement of military personnel, who should focus on protecting the nation rather than being employed as enforcers of corporate agendas.

He said understanding the sensitive nature of the world of work makes it imperative for the nation to create special processes to handle workplace issues, which are codified in its various statutes.

According to him, all parties must allow full expression of the principles of the existing statutes on labor relations to avoid creating a situation of anomie that will further damage the nation’s economy.

“We reiterate our unwavering support for NUPENG and will not hesitate to escalate our response if these unacceptable actions continue. the protection of
Workers’ rights and safety remain our top priority, and we call on the nation’s guardians to speak out immediately before the situation degenerates.

“The Nigerian Labor Congress recognizes the dedication and sacrifices of the Nigerian military and security agencies in safeguarding our nation. However, we remind you that your mandate is the defense of the sovereignty and people of our country, not the suppression of the legitimate demands of the workers,” he said.